Darleen Mitchell

Trombone Solo and Concert Band

Composer's Note:

This work for solo trombone and concert band is modeled after the great solo and band pieces of the late nineteenth century. It contains a refrain, which the band plays without the soloist, and a theme and variations, in which the soloist does play. Superimposed on this strophic variation form is a large ternary design, the middle section of which is a drastic change of mood, one of peace and tranquility.

The title is French for "All Saints' and refers to the religious holiday we keep on
November 1. ("Halloween' originally meant "all holy eve,' or the eve of All Saints Day.) While living in Belgium from 1990 to 1995, I was able to experience a variety of festivals, parades and processions for many special days that seem forgotten in the states. On All Saints Day, the local Belgians would meet at their church and process to the cemetery, where all placed flowers on the graves of their beloved deceased to honor these saints. This piece recalls those images, a solemn (but not somber) religious procession, and the joyful and peaceful reflection upon our loved ones who have gone before us.

The work was written for trombone solo because a very dear friend, and excellent trombonist, lived near us in Belgium, and shared many of these experiences with us.