Blessing David R. Gillingham

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2017
Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Clarinet 1
B-flat Clarinet 2
B-flat Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

B-flat Trumpet 1
B-flat Trumpet 2
B-flat Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
F Horn 3
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
T.C. Baritone
Tuba
Piano

Timpani (3 drums)
Percussion 1 (bells)
Percussion 2 (vibraphone, 4-octave marimba, crash cymbals)
Percussion 3 (suspended cymbal)
Blessing was conceived as a stand-alone work originally set as the second movement of the Concerto for Horn and Symphonic Band. This work was commissioned by the Gower Community Band of St. John's, NL, Canada, and Edsel Bonnell, Director. The second movement is based on a lovely original hymn, words and music written by Edsel Bonnell, titled, A Prayer from Youth, with the following words:

We ask not for gold or fame
When we pray in Thy Great Name;
Not for self or worldly gain
Lord, we come to Thee.
The earth, the sky, the flower, the tree,
All creatures of the land and sea,
Let us live at peace in Thee;
Lord, this is our prayer.

Blessing begins with the hymn tune stated by the horns and is subsequently developed through the movement with various textures and timbres. The work ends aptly like the quiet close of a prayerful blessing.