Description
Dedicated to his sons and based on a quote by Frank Lloyd Wright, Larry brings us a stunningly beautiful work in “A Child of the Sun.” Nothing is quite as special as a Father’s pride and hope for their children’s future, and from this moving work, you can tell that Larry has both.
Program Notes
A “Child of the Sun” was commissioned by the Hollingsworth Winds. Artistic Director/Conductor Ivan Wansley championed this commissioning project to include three composers to write three different works at three difficulty levels.
The Hollingsworth Winds derives its name from Lake Hollingsworth, the most prominent lake in the city of Lakeland, Florida. The Hollingsworth Winds present all of their performances on the campus of Florida Southern College, which sits at the edge of Lake Hollingsworth.
Florida Southern College has the distinction of housing the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in one location. Wright was commissioned to design the campus of the college in 1938. Frank Lloyd Wright is considered one of the greatest American architects; with unique designs, his work is instantly recognizable. Wright was the pioneer of a style called organic architecture that connects buildings harmoniously with the natural landscape around them. When Wright visited Lakeland to survey the land on the slopes of the gently rolling 80-foot hill overlooking Lake Hollingsworth, he remarked that he could envision buildings on this landscape that would grow “out of the ground and into the light – a Child of the Sun.”
The title “A Child of the Sun” seemed fitting for this commission. While contemplating this piece, I wanted to write music that would depict the beauty I see in the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright, along with the picturesque surrounding landscape. This picturesque landscape inspired me to write “A Child of the Sun” using lush parallel seventh chords, an arching simple melody followed by a bit of whimsy in the middle section of the piece, all while trying to musically depict a childlike nature and the light of a beautiful sunset or sunrise as seen over Lake Hollingsworth.
To learn more about the genesis of the beautiful campus of Florida Southern College and Frank Lloyd Wright, I recommend having the students watch this short 12-minute video –
Additional information
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