program notes by composition > A > After a Gentle Rain

After a Gentle Rain

Anthony Iannaccone

After a Gentle Rain is a work in two movements, the first of which will be performed today. It is dedicated to Max Plank and the Eastern Michigan University Symphonic Band. The composer writes:

“The first movement – The Dark Green Glistens With Old Reflections , begins with a gently rippling arpeggiated figure containing the main harmonic and melodic idea of the entire piece: two superimposed major triads. The figure subtly changes color as it migrates through various registers, spacings, and doublings. While the external shape of the sextuplet seems frozen, one can hear an internal, textural progression of changing resonance qualities. Against this backdrop is painted a wide spectrum of both dark and bright mixtures of soft brass, reeds, and percussion. Those colorful mixtures constantly redefine the background and foreground of this introverted scenario. The play on words in the title suggests images of light reflecting off moist green foliage, in turn evoking reflections “off” old memories in a quiet, meditative context. Memories, images and colors become bolder and more powerful, culminate in a climax and gradually recede into the past with the same delicate afterglow of soft bell sounds heard in the opening measures.”

Anthony Iannaccone (b.1943) earned a B.S. degree at the Manhattan School of Music and a Ph.D. at the Eastman School of Music. He taught and conducted at Eastern Michigan University for 32 years until retiring in 2013.

Last updated on May 12, 2017 by Palatine Concert Band