Invictus

Invictus was composed in February 2023 for Jessica Payne. The work begins with the sounds of marimba, conga drums, shakers, and windchimes to set the mood. There is a slight dissonance to create a gentle tension that serves as a symbol of pain and the strength needed to keep “going on.” The role of the second euphonium is to serve as a support to the other part (the role of a teacher). The trading passages that cross each other are a symbol of conversation and teaching (the second euphonium always goes first and “leads the way). The middle section has powerful independent melodic lines with musical advice such as “lead on” and “on a mission.” These melodies represent growth and power as the tension is in the past. The work ends with a tiny hint of tension to symbolize upcoming change and hopes that the tension will soon be forever gone.  – Gail Robertson   Invictus is a poem written by English author William Earnest Henley in 1875. This poem was authored while Henley was in the hospital after a radical surgery to save his leg following a diagnosis of tubercular arthritis. The poem has themes of strength and courage in the face of great adversity. Dr. Gail Robertson has been a force of good and encouragement in my life since I moved to Arkansas to study with her. When I approached Dr. Robertson about composing a duet for us to premiere at my graduate recital, this poem was one of the first themes that popped into my mind. I am proud to be where I am today and thankful for her guiding light – Jessica Payne