Domine: Symphony #1 in E minor (Made in America) II. Anthem - Theme & Variations

The “Symphony #1 in E minor” by James Domine is a judiciously analytical compendium of performance practices associated with American popular music, and for that reason the piece is subtitled, “Made in America.” In this symphony, the composer employs a spectrum of melodic modes and characteristic rhythms that together comprise a unique musical statement that is enigmatically at home in both the symphonic and popular music worlds.

The second movement, “Anthem” is a series of six variations on the Gospel hymn “People Get Ready.” The successive variations are framed by an introductory processional and three interludes that paraphrase the "Magnificat" Psalm tone and which function as ritornelli. These compositional elements are balanced by a coda that completes the setting. After the introduction, the anthem is stated in a stripped-down straightforward mono-linear way by the cellos and basses, then by the English horn and violas adorned by an obbligato of two bassoons. This is followed by a freely harmonized quasi-improvisational woodwind section set in shape-note figuration with the strings providing background choral support. The trombones and timpani follow with an interlude that leads to a triadic shape-singing Gospel harmonization of the melody in the strings. A transitional interlude based on the introduction forms a bridge to the full orchestra playing the theme this time set in a grandiose pipe organ chorale style. Another transitional episode ensues followed by a quartet of two clarinets and two bassoons playing the Magnificat paraphrase accompanied by an ornamental filigree of violins. A pair of two triumphant variations with the upper and lower strings juxtaposed in canonic imitation are separated by a pastoral rendition of the hymn tune in the woodwinds, providing instrumental textural contrast. At the end of the Anthem, the melodic line is gently lifted upward as if by angelic voices in a cosmic heavenly choir transporting us higher and higher, like the conclusion to a prayer, ascending by harmonic degrees coming at last to rest with a transcendent feeling of serene tranquility high above the clouds in the celestial realms.