The Land of Oblivion
Quick Facts
Catalogue ID: B0503-0003
Psalm: 88
Instrumentation: Solo tenor trombone and wind sinfonia
Alternative: Trombone and piano
Duration: Approximately 6½ minutes
Composed: July 29, 2014
Dedicated to: Tony McCarley
Performing Rights: BMI ISWC T-915.122.103-3
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The Story
Psalm 88 is hardly cheerful reading. It speaks of suffering, abandonment, and the approach of death, ending without the comforting resolution found in many other Psalms. Not exactly an obvious starting point for a jolly trombone concerto!
But death is not the end of the story for the Christian. It is a homecoming, and the prospect of arriving in Heaven is surely worth celebrating.
The Land of Oblivion explores that contrast through a concerto for tenor trombone and wind sinfonia. Three musical ideas provide its foundation: a prayer for help, the Lord’s sovereignty, and the experience of dying while still alive. The music moves through contrasting moods before launching into a lively 5/4, complete with rhythmic surprises, exuberant instrumental exchanges, and even a little laughter.
Psalm 88 does not disguise the reality of suffering, and neither should we. But our understanding of death need not end where the Psalm ends. For those whose hope rests in Christ, the journey home promises something rather more wonderful than oblivion.
Score & Parts
Scores and performance materials provided as free PDF downloads.
- Trombone & Wind Sinfonia – US letter size | A4 paper size
- Trombone & Piano – US letter size | A4 paper size
These materials are provided freely. If you would like to support Stephen P. Brown’s work with a voluntary contribution, please request an invoice.
Planning a performance?
Please contact Stephen P. Brown with the ensemble or institution name and anticipated performance date.
Related Compositions
- The Towaco Story — Brass Quintet, 1990
- A Brass Mirror — Horn, Trombone & Tuba, 2013
- Warrior Peace — Chamber Orchestra Non-Strings, 2013