The Sacred Spheres by Tyler S. Grant is written in two contrasting movements. The title of the first movement, From Harmony, from heav'nly harmony..., comes directly from the first line of John Dryden's poem, A Song for St. Cecilia's Day. The first few notes musically depict the beginning of the universal framework described in the text through delicate textures and orchestrations that develop as the movement progresses. The second stanza of the poem highlights the capacity for musical elements to inspire passion, which is represented at the climax of the first movement.
The second movement, Cries, hark the foe comes, picks up the poem from the third stanza, highlighting the spectrum of emotions that can be summoned by various instruments. The beginning of the movement highlights the trumpet's loud clangor along with drums that inspire war and conflict. The movement transitions to a section of mourning through the sound of a warbling flute. The ending of the movement combines the final stanzas along with the Grand Chorus to recapitulate earlier material and create a celebratory and impactful finale.
Commissioned by a consortium of bands in honor of Randall O. Coleman; Recorded by the Kennesaw State University Wind Ensemble.
