Of Strife (1. From A Time Of Strife, A Time Of Peace)

A commission by the U.S. Air Force Band of the West allowed Ewazen to consider the ten years following the events of 9/11/2001, resulting in A Time of Strife, a Time of Peace. The first movement considers the long wars and the losses entailed through "soaring lyrical lines above a rhythmic, pounding accompaniment," as Ewazen puts it. The second movement is a bittersweet celebration on the death of the perpetrator and a future of joy, peace, and life. Ewazen says, "A burst of joyous energy bringing this chapter in our history to a close."