Contentment, Poem for Orchestra was Brian's first orchestral composition, written in 1999 under the guidance of John David Earnest.
Later in 2015, with expanded winds, the piece came alive for the first time in his CD recording An Orchestral Journey. Contentment's live world premiere was on December 13, 2016 by with Orquestra Sinfônica do Teatro Nacional Cláudio Santoro in Brasilia, Brazil under the direction of Jeffrey Sean Dokken. For the November 11, 2023 Rome Symphony Orchestra performanc , also by Maestro Dokken, the harp is omitted, and is replaced by pizz in the cello and staccato in the clarinet. (video above)
Contentment starts quietly and mysterious, with a three-note call in the English horn (low oboe). Listen for a repeated four note descending motif, which creates a gradual build after the English horn call in the opening. In the middle, lovely melodies develop with an ebb and flow, taking the listener on a scenic journey. The piece ends, the day winding down, finishing with the same three note call in the English horn.
With its lyrical melodies and warm harmonies, Contentment has been an audience favorite.
Score available upon request. |
