"Dark Libations"- Rhapsody for Wind Ensemble by Shawn W. Davern - Boston University Wind Ensemble

Dark Libations
Rhapsody for Wind Ensemble
By Shawn W. Davern
Dedicated to my dear mentor, Professor David Martins, upon his retirement as Director of the Boston University Wind Ensemble
Boston University Wind Ensemble
David Martins, Director
Tsai Performance Center
May 2nd, 2023
Program Notes
Dark Libations is a rhapsody for wind ensemble commissioned in commemoration of Professor David Martin’s retirement as Master Lecturer and Director of the Boston University Wind Ensemble. The title of the piece derives its name from two different aspects. The “dark” aspect of the composition is born from the fact that this piece features the clarinet section prominently, in a hope to capture the silky sounds and multifaceted nature of the instrument family within the wind ensemble setting. The meaning of “libations” refers to two of the most well known yet antithetical definitions of the word; a libation being both a drink that is consumed in celebration of an event and conversely, a drink that is poured out in ritual sacrifice to an ancestor or in some cases, a deity.
Regarding ritual sacrifices to deities, there will be none in this piece, but the chaotic opening of the composition elicits that sort of imagery. This introduction serves as an almost musical portal back in time to mid twentieth century Rhode Island where a budding musician began to make his first sounds on the clarinet. The main melodic theme of Dark Libations was created utilizing Professor Martin’s first name, David, with the pitches Db and Ab assigned to the letters d and a. The pitches Bb and Eb are associated to the letters v and i, referring to the “dominant to tonic” relationship that is established between the two pitches in western music. These melodic pitches are first uttered from a myriad of instruments following the ritualistic drumming of the introduction, fading into a lone clarinet accompanied by ethereal percussion. The solo melody morphs into a full clarinet chorale, allowing the entire clarinet family to shine into the next faster paced section. Fraught with inverted harmonies and polyrhythmic devices, the ensemble transitions into the darker reaches of the composition.
From these depths slinks the solo bass clarinet accompanied by an extended rhythm percussion section, including acoustic bass and piano. This jazz oriented portion straight out of a noir film is inspired by Professor Martin’s tales of gigging in Providence, Rhode Island, where he developed the aural skills in various jazz settings that would aid him in earning the Second Clarinet position in the Rhode Island Philharmonic and entrance into the Eastman School of Music, all before he graduated high school. The flutes, saxophones and muted brass are layered in to simulate a quasi big band inspired sound, with the bass clarinet continuing on with its solo theme that later oozes into full ensemble cacophony. After a heavy helping of swing rhythms and bluesy brass riffs, the bass instruments of the wind ensemble, including the beloved contra bass clarinet, announce the final section of the piece.
A recapitulation of the transitional material returns more rhythmically assured then before, with the piccolo, solo french horn and solo trumpet heralding the ensemble into the most grandiose part of the piece. From Frederick Fennell to John Williams, Professor Martins has collaborated with some of the greatest musicians in history, and the reclamation of the main melodic theme by the clarinet section, along with support from the flutes and french horn, is a homage to his amazing feats and experiences. The mood of the music then shifts from majestic to melancholy, with the lush harmonies of the entire wind ensemble lulling the energy of the music into a reverent state. Professor Martins has been a defining factor in creating a positive and profound experience for thousands of students across multiple collegiate institutions and it is in these final measures that I hope to capture his gentle nature, kind heart and overflowing love for the wind ensemble repertoire and the students that have played these pieces alongside him for so many years. The piece ends peacefully with one last utterance of the main melodic theme from the melodic percussion and a final Db major chord played by the clarinet section.
For decades, Professor Martins has inspired countless students and listeners across the New England area with his amazing performances and impactful teaching. I hope that Dark Libations will serve as reminder for us all to celebrate our most dear mentors and the time well spent learning from them.
For more information on this composition and others like it, visit here:
shawnwdavern.com
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