Let Us Now Praise Famous Men
Instrumentation: *3,*3,*3,*3/4,3,3,1/T,4P,Hp/Stgs.
Optional Off-stage Flute Choir
Duration: 16 mins.
Inspired by the James Agee classic, this oft-performed work has entered the repertory as one of the late 20th century’s most effective statements of Americana. Based on seven folk hymns from The Sacred Harp and other old hymnals, it is a moving tribute to America’s past. Recorded by the Houston Symphony, the composer conducting (CRI-SD 347).
- “...a beautifully wrought evocation of the spirit of American folk music.”
---Joseph McLellan, Washington Post
- “…a substantial and ingenious composition.”
---Irving Lowens, Musical America
- “[The work] found immediate favor with the audience. But Jones did not write “down” to a common denominator. His command over instrumentation and form impressed not only the novice ear but the intellect of a seasoned musician. The substantive composition grabbed immediate attention with a haunting viola solo over a string bass harmonic. Little by little the orchestral fabric opened up to a magnificent apex.”
---Jeff Manookian, Salt Lake Tribune
- “The music of Samuel Jones is lovely. His music has its own personality and evidences a great deal of character. I only wish more of it were available on disc.”
---K. Miller, American Record Guide
- “…unashamedly passionate and a model of fine orchestration.”
---Greensboro Sun
- “…a finely orchestrated, heartfelt invention on seven folk hymns.”
---Music Journal (New York)
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