BOOK OF SPELLS
for brass quintet (2tpt.hn.tbn.tba)
completed 2023
duration ca. 15 minutes
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PROGRAM NOTE
As a composer, it's not every day that one gets to take inspiration from sources as rich and unique as historical grimoires and spell books. My interest in these texts emerged from the dark days of the pandemic, wishing I could tap into forgotten magic of the ancient past. Book of Spells is a fifteen-minute brass quintet inspired by the syllabic and phoneme arrangements found within such grimoires as The Magus by Francis Barrett, the anonymously written Black Pullet and The Lesser Key of Solomon, and the Icelandic Galdrabók. The mysticism and rhythm inherent in these ancient works provide an intriguing palette for the composition, which guides the structure of this six-movement suite.
I. Invocation sets the tone for the suite, creating an atmospheric prelude that seamlessly transitions into the next movement.
II. Prosperity contrasts with an active and upbeat exploration of spells of good fortune, bringing lively energy against the ethereal quality of the surrounding movements.
III. Protection evokes a sense of safety and security, like a steadfast fortress amidst turbulent winds.
IV. Healing employs asymmetrical meter, quintal harmony, and an extended horn solo to conjure the therapeutic and restorative aspects of healing spells.
V. Hex contrasts with visceral energy, using plunger mutes to simulate glossolalia, or "speaking in tongues." This movement delves into the darker aspects of the occult, mimicking the complex energies of binding or disruptive spells.
Finally, VI. Counterspell (after Caresana) is a heartfelt tribute to the memory of my father. The movement integrates a lullaby for a grandfather by 17th-century Neapolitan composer Christofaro Caresana from his collection of songs, La Veglia.
These movements do not exist in isolation. They connect to form a cohesive narrative story, inviting the listener to engage deeply and discover their own interpretations. Each movement is a chapter in a larger tale, with themes and motifs that evolve and intertwine throughout the piece.
Book of Spells was written for the Atlantic Brass Quintet in 2023. It is my hope that audiences and performers alike will find joy in exploring the extraordinary within the familiar and relish the mystical within the musical.
—Stephen Cabell