J I D A I

To the Heroes of Always and Forever...
#926 in 13:33 for Band of the 3rd Millennium
by © Stephen Melillo IGNA 11 September 2004
2nd & 3rd Millennium

Representing Germany, J I D A I is inspired by Maurice Hamers, Conductor
and Lothar Uth, Tubist and Teacher at
The University of Augsburg/Nurnberg in Germany.
He has taught me what Heimat really means.

Representing Japan, J I D A I is inspired by and dedicated to Ichiro Asuke,
his son Kotaro and the Musicians of the Meijo Gakuin High School Queenstar
in Japan and in the spirit of MUSASHI is also dedicated once
again to the People of Japan and to all those who embrace the need for
Heroism, understand its eternal call and live each day in the pursuit of all
that lifts and binds us. It is also offered as a gift to the Musicians of the
Japan Air Self Defense Force Central Band, Conducted by LTC Yoshikatsu Takagi.

Representing America, J I D A I is commissioned by Stephen Panoff & The
Tallwood High School Band, in keeping with their 10 year tradition of
honoring heroes. In particular, we offer this work as a continuing gesture of
love and appreciation to all those around the world fighting in defense of
Freedom, now and always.

Representing Austria and Europe, J I D A I is commissioned by
The Sinfonisches Blasorchester Ried, Austria
Karl Geroldinger, Conductor
in Dedication to the Innominate Real Heroes of Daily Life

Representing Israel, J I D A I is commissioned by
The Akko Municipality Music Conservatory
Shmuel Kahana, Director & Conductor
in Dedication to a Future of Brotherhood

J I D A I is also lovingly dedicated to the memory of Jerry Goldsmith who
passed away on 21 July 2004.
He has inspired me all of my Life, and from Heaven... he always will.

Description

J I D A I: The constantly living, ever flowing, never changing Time of the Hero... A legacy passed on from generation through generations to generation, an Idea that remains as it always is, pure in Heart and Spirit and the unwritten Code of Honour.

I had wanted to compose a work, which in Music described "Heimat". This is the German word for "Home, but "home" in the deepest possible meaning of that word. It means a connection in the land and in the culture to the very dawn of Life in that land... family after family, generation after generation. You hear this in the Music of Wagner by example.

In J I D A I, such a description occurs as the main, connective theme drawn from three of the five notes which have served as the complete DNA for all of the "storm" works. Many cultures become One... many histories merge, and transcendent Heroism emerges through Adventure, Darkness and longing.

This piece is from the STORMWORKS... Chapter V∞.

Testimonials

"Stephen's new CD, Chapter 5:8 "Writings on the Wall" is indeed a historic groundbreaking album and a total artistic triumph. The Japanese military band and American voices superbly deliver a phenomenal performance of music that is at once gripping and spellbinding! From the moving mega work Kakehashi to the great uplifting rendition of God Bless America this double CD set is packed with masterworks. Cuba skillfully weaves music which creates two distinct atmospheres - one of the fun party nature of Tropicana - like casinos and the other of the oppression of the island's present dictatorial regime. Melillo migrates back and forth between these two moods with absolute musical mastery and with the full command of all his instrumental resources. The Violin Concerto, on the other hand, symbolizes the utmost in modern Romanticism. It is an outstanding expressive work which puts the violin through a myriad of expressive and technical paths. Bravo to Melillo on this fantastic achievement!" -Aldo Rafael Forte, Composer

"Take a deep breath. Now: Listen to the creation of the world as seen by Stephen Melillo, a composer who confesses his personal God-link in such works as GODSPEED and SPEECH OF ANGELS, each of which opened the two sections of the program. It was like this: a shattering of the former silence, and then an opening, an awakening of the spirit (in GODSPEED) after which a choir of sounds never heard before (SPEECH OF ANGELS) brings a message of comfort and hope."

"Melillo is to wind music what Beethoven was to the symphony orchestra, and he follows a Beethovenesque design of increasing the musical tension almost to the breaking point, receding, and then reaching again. It is superlative musical craftsmanship and inspiring to hear." -Marvin Sosna, Special to The Tribune

"One week ago I had the pleasure to hear a concert of SBO Ried conducted by Karl Geroldinger in Abfaltersbach (near Lienz). As you know they presented Godspeed and Jidai from you. Really special and marvellous pieces of symphonic wind music excellent performed by SBO Ried. Thanx for such intensive, impressive and heart-warming music!" -Erich Pitterl