Steven Bryant

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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