Eventide Soliloquy

From the Publisher

Eventide Soliloquy, by Paige Dashner Long, is an original composition that features each instrument of the flute family in a musical soliloquy. The piece showcases the beautiful colors of a flute orchestra as well as each different type of flute, in a variety of musical styles. Scored for piccolo, concert flutes 1-4, alto flute, bass flute with optional contrabass flute, this new work is a great addition to flute choir repertoire. Designed to meet the playing levels of a wide range of ensembles, some parts are of medium difficulty, while some parts are quite easy. The inspiration and dedication of this piece is in loving memory of Sean Callan MacDonald, the composer’s son, who died unexpectedly August, 2010. Eventide Soliloquy is Sean's life in song. The optional opening begins in a swirling snowstorm January, 1981. After all flutes use contemporary technique to portray snow and wind swirling about, the alto flutes begin the work with a beautiful, gentle melody. The bass flutes answer in response before the entire ensemble joins in the beginning theme. The opening theme consists of the musical letters of Sean's name (E- A perfect 4th interval). Next, you will hear a very happy, bright theme, as you imagine an energetic child, Sean, skipping along enjoying life. As this allegro theme, gently slows, the contrabass/bass flute plays a mournful melody, describing the sadness of a young teenager being diagnosed with a difficult disease, type 1 diabetes. Eight bars later, the piccolo enters the dialogue of the contrabass/bass soliloquy with a beautiful obbligato melody on top of the contrabass. These are tears of a mother, crying for her son. But, we get on with life and make the most of the precious time we have together. Next enters a jazzy blues section where you can see Sean smile and picture him improvising on his trombone. As the jazz slows, another beautiful melodic soliloquy, played by the concert flute and inspired by one of Sean’s favorite Mussorgsky themes, ends the work with a very calm and gentle melody, as Sean was such a gentle spirit. Trained as a classical trombonist, music educator and jazz musician, Sean had a great sense of humor and a sparkling wit, with an amazing repertoire of original silly songs. He inspired hundreds of young musicians through his creative teaching approaches and lively performances. This piece celebrates Sean’s life, just as his presence here with us has touched our hearts.

Item Details

Instrumentation

• Part 1: Piccolo
• Part 2: Flute
• Part 3: Flute
• Part 4: Flute
• Part 5: Flute
• Part 6: Alto Flute
• Part 7: Bass Flute
• Part 8: Contrabass Flute