2025-26 Program Book - Other - Page 42
The River (1970)
CONTINUED
Ellington described The River a metaphor of
a person’s life, flowing from its source to the
sea, representing birth to death. Only the eight
movements will be performed on this program.
Spring: a horn solo begins the trickle of water that
gradually grows in breadth and depth as more
instruments are added; gradually fades at the end—
birth and self-awareness.
Meander: slow but varied, with serious and light
moments, representing the maturing process and
learning about making decisions—comfort at home,
gaining confidence, mulling over options, deciding
to take chances.
Giggling Rapids: up-tempo swing, drive, upbeat rhythms are expressions of
freedom—feelings of joy in exploration and newness, collapsing in happy
exhaustion.
Lake: a beautiful slow dance with soaring melodies, a variety of styles, a full range
of colors—the world is bigger and more complicated than expected.
The Vortex: angular melodies, aggressive rhythms/syncopations, abrupt
contrasts, and steady snare drum are like coming upon and navigating rapids,
with swells and outbursts.
The Falls: descending melodic figures take the music over the edge to a crashing
halt—urgency continues in a different way, with increasing dissonance and
drama.
Village of the Virgins: a calm chorale at the beginning, gradually giving way to
more rhythmic activity, finally arriving at majestic music—surviving the Vortex
and Falls has resulted in maturity; the river has broadened and deepened.
Riba: energetic jazz “licks” and occasional outbursts traded among the different
sections represent the anticipation of rebirth as the river flows to the sea.
42 CLASSICAL SERIES BRAHMS & ELLINGTON
