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STEPHENSON: Fanfare for Democracy - 59th Presidential INAUGURATION premiere

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Premiered January 20, 2021, by "The President's Own" US Marine Band; Col. Jason K. Fettig, director.

Available here: https://composerjim.com/works/fanfare-for-democracy/
The music:

During a walk on an unusually warm November Saturday after the election of 2020, I felt a huge sense of relief in the air
surrounding an affirmation of our democratic process. Everyone was outside, and there was palpable electricity.

I began to hear a fanfare in my head, and I couldn’t shake it.
I wrote it later that afternoon in an attempt to capture the spirit of hope espoused in all Americans.
Out of respect to our country's musical history, there are subtle hints to our National Anthem
(bass line at meas. 17), and to Copland's most well-known "Fanfare for The Common Man" (penultimate measure in percussion).

A few days later, I sent it to Col. Jason Fettig, the director at "The President's Own" United State Marine Band.
Much to my delight and surprise, he responded that he would indeed program it for use during the Prelude concert
at the 59th Inaugural ceremonies to be held at The Capitol to honor President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.

I’m absolutely thrilled beyond words that this fanfare, written out of pure inspiration in response to a moment of history,
was indeed premiered at one of our country's most important moments in history.


Jim Stephenson ~ Music composed November 7, 2020;
Program notes written January 19, 2021.
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