Update Title: 6F4848B3-E71E-42CC-A0DA-CCB80AC04E6A

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Symphony No. 2, "Spruce Knob," was commisioned by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra for the opening of the Clay Center for the Performing Arts in Charleston, West Virginia (inaugural concert July 15, 2003). The letter of commission requested that some kind of tie be established with the state of West Virginia and/or the Appalachian region. I chose two connections: the name of the highest mountain in West Virginia, Spruce Knob, and a variant of a folk melody from the Appalachian region, "Come All You Fair and Tender Ladies," that I drew from Patrick Gainer's collection, Folk Songs from the West Virginia Hills (Seneca Books, 1975). There are two other melodies: one based on the musical letters of my name, BEA (actually B-flat, E-flat, A), and a rumbling bass melody which drives much of the action.

The lives of all West Virginians are shaped by mountains. Running throughout the symphony is the theme of attaining the top of the mountain. The work opens quietly and gains momentum as it moves and struggles toward the top of the mountain, the climax of the piece. The view at the top of the mountain is spectacular; on a clear day you can see for miles. I have made two visits to Spruce Knob in Pendleton County, WV,  so my piece, in a way, reflects an actual experience. It's a long drive to the top beginning with a sunrise, with fine views and stops along the way, but then a strong sense of arrival when one reaches the knob. On one of my visits I was able to look down on clouds. Once one is there and have drunk the powerful feelings and views, there is no place to go but down, and the piece retreats to its opening chords and then disappears into silence. --John Beall

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