B1F8C765-2FA7-4563-9EDB-77D3EA51D15C

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IDB1F8C765-2FA7-4563-9EDB-77D3EA51D15C
TitlecodeR00904
Title NameSweet Land (of Liberty)
Marketing CopyBased on "My Country 'Tis of Thee," uses elements of jazz, blues, and rock.
InstrumentationString Quartet
Commission(not set)
Dedication(not set)
Program NotesThe words for "My Country +Tis of Thee" were written by Reverend Samuel Francis Smith in the town of Andover in 1831. Indeed, "America House" still stands proudly in commemoration of this patriotic verse. Thus, it is especially appropriate to use this song for the celebration of Andover+s 350th anniversary.

Sweet Land takes the original melody and elaborates it within a 20th century American musical language. This work might be described as a contemporary excursion based on a historical source. Elements of folk, jazz, blues, and rock styles can be heard throughout.

The formal structure is a theme and four variations -- Theme (stately), Variation II (lively), Variation II (in a +blues+ style), Variation III (furtively) and Variation IV (triumphantly). Although the theme is transformed to the limits of recognition in the +blues+ section, it reappears more noticeably in the "furtive" motives and assets itself forcefully at the end.

The intention in creating Sweet Land was to bring renewed energy and affection to a song which has endured for centuries as part of our American heritage. --Gywneth Walker
Title Brand2
Year Composed1996
Copyright Number(not set)
Copyright Year(not set)
Duration6
Ensemble Size4
Date Created2008-10-31 20:32:10.000000
Date Updated2025-09-30 20:32:10
Inhouse Note(not set)
Bsc Code(not set)
Text Author(not set)
Premier Performance Memo-Walla Walla Symphony/ Yaacov Bergman. 02 Mar 99.
Recording Credits(not set)
Review(not set)
Awards(not set)
Title Category10
Title Movements(not set)
Title Grade(not set)
Set Series ID(not set)
Title Instrument Category TextString Duo & Ensemble
Title Sub Category Text(not set)
Title Sub Category76
Title Instrument Header63
Title Grade Text(not set)
Clean Urlsweet-land-r00904