About the Piece
NAIROBIAN FANTASY is largely based on the song Roho Biro, a Christian Spiritual, and was inspired by Kenya Boys Choir’s performance of it, which Nash heard several years ago. Roho Biro is a fast, lively, energetic and highly syncopated song and Nash reflected these feelings in NAIROBIAN FANTASY. It begins with a slow introduction and transitions into the fast, lively and energetic music by means of a metric modulation. The principal theme is derived from the head motif on Roho Biro in which Nash uses a different tail motif with each structural repeat of the principal theme. The tempo is fast and lively throughout, with a couple contrasting sections in triple meter, alluding to a rondo form.
[Program note by the composer]
Instrumentation:
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets in A
2 Bassoons
4 Horns in F
2 Trumpets in C
Timpani
Harp
Strings
Click HERE to view a perusal score.
About the Composer
Gary Powell Nash, a native of Flint, Michigan is Professor of Music at Fisk University in Nashville, TN where he teaches and coordinates courses in music theory, technology, composition, applied woodwinds and conducts the Fisk Jazz Ensemble. Nash holds a Ph.D. in Music Composition from Michigan State University.
As a composer of Western classical music, Nash has composed musical works for orchestra, band/wind ensemble, choir, art songs (four in Chinese), electroacoustic works and instrumental chamber compositions, including two short film scores. His music has been performed in all major regions of the United States and abroad on the continents of Asia and Europe.
Nash has received numerous grants, commissions and awards for his compositions including the 2007 UNCF/Mellon Foundation Faculty Seminar in Ghana. Others include Tennessee Music Teachers Association Composer of the Year, 2005-6, Mississippi Arts Commission, American Composers Forum, Carnegie Hall and Fulbright, where he was Visiting Professor of Music Composition at University of the Philippines-Diliman, May 30, 2000 – March 28, 2001. Eleven of Nash’s compositions are featured on compact disc with five of those appearing on Albany, Centaur and Citadel Records labels. [From the composer’s website]
For further information, please visit: www.garynash.musicaneo.com
Performance Materials
Performance materials, including score and parts, are available HERE.
Recording
Please click HERE for a recording of Nairobian Fantasy.