This work serves as a standalone piece, but is also Movement 1 of Joy and Its Companions.

With anthem-like melodies and rhythms, this meditative piece is an invitation to reflect on and release the weariness we carry. A longing phrase weaves its way through the ensemble, repeating first in the low brass, and eventually finding its way to the high woodwinds. Even as new countermelodies and textures emerge, nearly burying the repeating theme, the tune stays ever present, only ceasing its journey when arriving with the final chord.

GRADE 2.5:

Rest is an excellent choice for developing ensembles to learn to hear and evaluate the importance of their part. With many layered countermelodies, ensemble blend becomes highly subjective with room for unique interpretation depending on instrumentation and taste. Long phrases with fewer than usual spaces breath also help developing and intermediate ensembles learn proper breath support, breath control, and stagger breathing.

Currently scored for:

• Two flutes

• Two Clarinets in Bb

• Bassson

• Trumpet in Bb

• Euphonium

Re-orchestrations, and level adjustments available upon request.