Steven Bryant

Instrumentation:   Band

Genres:   Lyrical

Paean: a song of triumph, or a solemn chant or song of praise

Commissioned in memory of Ernest and Donald Caneva by their family and friends, Paean: Chant (along with its companion work, Paean: Triumph) pays tribute to these men and their years of accomplishments as bandleaders. As preparation for the work, I discussed their personalities with Tom Caneva and Scott Casagrande: according to Scott, “Don was aggressive and headstrong, brash and caring. Ernie was suave, funny, loyal and a traditionalist.”

My approach to Chant developed from a visit to Francis McBeth, my mentor and first composition teacher, in Fall, 2011. With his blessing, I decided to build a piece around his early work, Chant and Jubilo. In an unexpected coincidence, I discovered his work turned 50 years old in December, 2011 – the exact same month I completed Paean. Unfortunately, McBeth (“Dr. Mac” to his students), passed away in January, 2012, before I had a chance to share this music with him. This music celebrates and is dedicated to the mentors and teachers who have shaped and inspired us.

Commissioned by: Ball State University, Muncie, IN, Thomas Caneva, Director of Bands John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights, IL, Scott Casagrande, Director of Bands Lockport Township High School, Lockport, IL, Brian Covey, Director of Bands Coastal Communities Concert Band, San Diego, CA, Robert C. Fleming, Conductor Members of the Caneva Family

Premiered

19 FEBRUARY 2012: Ball State Univ., 1 March 2012 ABA Convention, Ball State Wind Ens., 16 MARCH 2012 Orchestra Hall, Chicago, John Hersey HS Wind Ensemble

Technical Info

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