The community is invited to attend a patriotic concert 7:00 PM Sunday evening, October 19 in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church, 800 Jefferson Street. The Chancel Choir will present Randall Thompson’s The Testament of Freedom along with Dupre’s “Poeme Heroique” which will feature Tim Wilborn on organ, accompanied by 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and drum. The choir will also sing David Danner’s arrangement of “America the Beautiful” and the audience will be asked to join the Bell Choirs in singing “God Bless America”. Admission is free.
Sally Ritch, Director of Music at the church stated that it seems appropriate to present a patriotic program at this time. While our nation is concerned about the war in Iraq, the Presidential campaign is at its height, and we are buffeted by hurricanes and economic woes, it is comforting to remember other stressful times in our history, and celebrate our heritage.
Randall Thompson wrote The Testament of Freedom during his tenure at the University of Virginia (1941-45) as a commemorative work dedicated to the University Glee Club in memory of the Father of the University. Its initial performance on the bicentennial of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, April 13, 1943 generated considerable national interest, coming as it did in the middle of World War II. A recording of the premiere was broadcast to the Allied Armed Forces in Europe. On April 14, 1945 it was performed in Carnegie Hall given in memory of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The texts, from the writings of Thomas Jefferson, were chosen by the composer. The first movement is from Jefferson’s “A Summary View of the Rights of British America” written in 1774. Movements II and III are from his “Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking up Arms” (July 6, 1775). The final movement is from his letter to John Adams, written at Monticello September 12, 1821.