Remember Autumn Skies
Premiered by the Meridian Concert Band
Note by conductor Kevin Scott: "Pierson composed the work as a tribute to autumn’s musical and emotional transfiguration on one’s life as fall’s twilight melds into the approaching darkness of winter."
Program Notes
Remember Autumn Skies is an elegy for the end of Autumn and coming of Winter. During the Autumn months the weather changes drastically, with a mixture cool unforgiving days and warm sunny afternoons. There are two melodic ideas that form the piece; one which is beautiful and bright and the other, in contrast, is dark and ominous. Throughout the piece, each ideas conflict with each other, until finally giving way to the ominous sonority, thus welcoming the end of year and winter. Our lives are much like this transition: We grow to maturity, grow past our prime, and eventually face the inevitable end.
Much like the Fall, this transition of life reminds us of dark memories while also giving sparks of hope, joy, and final peace. There are many musical choices left open to the interpretation of the conductor and performers. Making the performance unique is important to the life of the composition; reflecting the differences in each passing year of seasons and the differences of our lives.
Making the most out of each moment through rubato and phrasing is very important, however at measure 42, do not linger too long: the best is yet to come.