Centennium - Concert Band

Centennium is a musical celebration commissioned to honor 100 years of bands at Boston University. Written during the middle of a worldwide pandemic, this piece also reflects my personal victory as a composer. I believe I needed this particular commission to help me get through the difficulties of being a musician during a time of social distancing and a lack of live music. Writing the notes on these pages renewed my excitement for dynamic music making, regardless of whether we were all in the same room; and this challenge became a metaphor for the past 100 years of bands at Boston University. Whether someone was a member of a Boston University ensemble decades ago or part of the world premiere performance of this piece, everyone comes from a long legacy of musicians and passionate artists who are all connected. It is in that spirit of celebration and unity that I offer the heroic, sweeping melodies and vibrant rhythmic pulse of Centennium.

Many thanks to Michael J. Barsano for spearheading the commission and to Jennifer Bill for her feedback throughout the process.

    - Brian Balmages