Of Unsurpassed Heroes Score

Of Unsurpassed Heroes
for brass choir and percussion
Instrumentation:
3 Trumpets in B-flat
4 Horns in F
2 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Euphonium (optional, but recommended)
Tuba
Timpani
Chimes (tubular bells)
Percussion 1: Crash Cymbals, Sm. Triangle, Med. Suspended Cymbal
Percussion 2: Field Drum, Bass Drum, Lg. Triangle, Lg. Suspended Cymbal
Program Notes:
Of Unsurpassed Heroes is a brief symphonic essay for large brass choir and percussion that is inspired by the beautiful
and powerful wartime works of Walt Whitman. The title is taken from Whitman’s poem “The Wound Dresser” that
describes his feelings while serving as a combat nurse during America’s Civil War. He describes both the pain and
tragedy of war as well as the bravery and compassion of the soldiers who fought. My piece attempts to capture these
feelings through simple hymn-like settings based on an original five-note motive. Field drum and muted trumpet calls
are interspersed throughout, while a cantabile melody based on a “falling-fifths” progression floats gently over the
battlefield. The work concludes with a spirit of optimism that humanity can ultimately triumph over war and violence.
-Notes by the composer, July 2021, Fort Collins, Colorado
Composer Biography:
James M. David (b. 1978) is an internationally recognized composer who currently serves as professor at Colorado State
University and is particularly known for his works for winds, brass, and percussion. His music has been featured at over
fifty national and international conferences and festivals throughout North and South America, Asia, Europe, and
Australia. His works have received numerous awards from such organizations as ASCAP, the National Band
Association, the National Association of Composers, USA, the Dallas Winds, and the Music Teachers National
Association. His commissions include projects for the U.S. Air Force Band, the Des Moines Symphony, Joseph Alessi
(NY Philharmonic), John Bruce Yeh (Chicago Symphony), James Markey (Boston Symphony), the Playground
Ensemble, and the International Saxophone Symposium and Competition as well as hundreds of university music faculty
and ensembles. His music is available through Murphy Music Press, C. Alan Publications, Potenza Music, and Wingert
Jones Publications and has been recorded for the Naxos, Summit, Albany, Parma, Navona, Mark, MSR Classics, and
GIA Windworks labels. More at www.jamesmdavid.com