"The Ascension", by Robert W. Smith, performed on 2/25/24, conducted by Johanna Anderson.

"The Ascension" (from the “Divine Comedy”) by Robert W. Smith (1958-2023), performed on 2/25/24, conducted by Johanna Anderson.
The Ascension is the third movement of a symphony for concert band based on Dante Alighieri's literary classic The Divine Comedy. This 1994 work describes Dante on the Mountain of Purgatory as he prepares for his journey to Paradise. As the traveler lifts his eyes to the sun, he is surprised to discover wonderful music - the music of the spheres. The Ascension is a sizzling musical experience with bravura wind parts and dazzling percussion that is charismatic in its boldness. Smith was one of the most popular and prolific compos- ers of concert band and orchestral literature in America, with more than 400 publications to his name prior to his death in September.