Convent Window - Tuba Unaccompanied

Convent Window, an unaccompanied work for solo tuba, was composed for my latest compact disc recording Zigzags. After years of work as an arranger, this is my first original solo composition, and it is meant to call to mind a moment of quiet contemplation. I imagined Hildegard von Bingen, a woman whose life I much admire, pausing during her hectic day to look out of her office window, in a moment of calm reflection.

Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179) was a German abbess who wrote music, poetry, biographies, works on medicine, natural history, and accounts of her personal mystical experiences. She is perhaps best remembered for her musical compositions intended for use at the convents, many of which have been preserved. My albums O quam mirabilis and Zigzags both feature solo tuba arrangements of her chant, a great way to explore Medieval Era literature. Convent Window is intended for intermediate to advanced performers as a low register feature, with slowly flowing melodic lines which alternate with quicker, more moving articulation below the staff. For recording links and more information, please visit www.joannahersey.com.

- Joanna Ross Hersey