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Thorgard's Song was written at the request of the distinguished American Novelist, John C. Gardner, for his forthcoming wedding to Susan Thornton. Gardener, also a fine horn player, had written at Benson's request, the texts for a commission from the International Horn Society.
Thorgard's Song did not see use as intended. John Gardner was killed ten days after Benson began writing the work. Almost immediately, Mrs. John Gardner, Sr., his mother, asked Benson to write music for his funeral, Elegy for horn and organ, which was performed as intended.
Thorgard's song is a virtuoso solo engulfed in the ringing of bells, a song of strength and bravura, like the man who commissioned it.
Number of Players: 5
Difficulty: Grade 6
Instrumentation:
Player I: French Horn
Player II: Crotale
Player III: Chime
Player IV: Glockenspiel
Player V: Vibraphone
As composer, conductor, performer, writer and humorist, Warren Benson was perhaps best known for his dynamic music for wind ensemble and percussion, and for his moving song cycles. Benson wrote over 150 works, including pieces which have been heralded as masterpieces of the twentieth century. His music has been played and recorded worldwide by the Kronos Quartet, New York Choral Society, International Horn Society and United States Marine Band.
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