ALL THINGS (2025)

Trombone, Harp | Ca. 13'

Currently under commission exclusivity

PROGRAM NOTE

My good friend and trombonist Connor Altagen first approached me in the fall of 2023 about composing a piece for trombone and harp for him and his partner, Margaret Anne Gunter, who is a harpist. Connor emphasized that the piece would represent various periods throughout their relationship, and that it would be a gift to Margaret Anne upon her graduation from the University of North Texas. Composing a work of such significant meaning and scale, not to mention working with such a unique instrumentation like trombone and harp, was admittedly a daunting task. Had it been anyone other than Connor and Margaret Anne, I likely would have declined the opportunity. But those who know Connor and Margaret Anne know their brilliant artistry as musicians, their endless kindness as humans and their God-fearing bond as a couple. So, getting the chance to write for the two of them is an incredible honor and privilege. At Connor's request, I graciously agreed to compose a work for them.

Since the piece was to encompass the whole image of Connor and Margaret Anne's relationship, Connor and I decided a fitting title was All Things, which also implies verse 28 from chapter eight of the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, "and we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." The piece is divided into three movements:

I. Embrace — representing the excitement of new things.

II. Refrain — representing the di cult times apart caused by long distanc.

III. All things — representing union and thankfulness.

An important aspect of this work was the incorporation of Psalm 40, the words of which reflect themes of deliverance, thanksgiving, and trust in God. The tune is perpetuated throughout the three movements in various ways. I first wrote two different countermelodies to the tune, each of which are foundational material for the first two movements. Then, the third movement is a chaconne built from the bass line of the tune, slowly reincorporating the previous countermelodies until the final phrase where the tune is finally heard in its entirety in tandem with the countermelodies, bringing all aspects of the composition together.

It was a great honor to compose this work, and I wish Connor and Margaret Anne the best on their journey together through the rest of their lives.

All Things was commissioned by Connor Altagen, for Margaret Anne Gunter.