Shrine of the Fallen: SATB (reproducible)
By Brian Balmages
Grade: 4
Item: 98-PC-DB1664_SATB
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Description
Written in response to the tragic events in Kiev in 2014, this music draws on the old Ukrainian folk song Plyve Kacha, which became an anthem for many protestors as a symbol of national pride while also mourning the fallen. Described by the composer as Arabian Dances meets Moscow, 1941, the music is incredibly powerful yet introspective. Quotes of the Ukrainian National Anthem add to the intensity of the music, which features the instrumentalists singing in 4-part harmony at the very end of the piece. Absolutely stunning.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Symphonic Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1664_SATB
More about this title
About the Composer: Brian Balmages
Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor whose reach extends across orchestral, band, and chamber repertoires. His works have been performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to school groups in some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest for Love and Light. As an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association, Balmages brings deep credibility to the concert band world.
His conducting engagements have taken him to major conferences and universities across the globe, and his compositions have been commissioned by significant institutions. He received the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award from James Madison University's School of Visual and Performing Arts and was commissioned by the University of Miami to compose for the inauguration of its sixth president. His work was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. Currently serving as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic, Balmages continues to shape both the creation and distribution of contemporary band music.
Why we love this
Balmages crafts something rare in the concert band repertoire: a piece that honors historical and cultural tragedy while remaining musically sophisticated and accessible to Grade 4 ensembles. The integration of Ukrainian folk tradition, national anthem quotes, and the unique finale where the band sings in harmony creates a program moment that lingers with audiences and players alike. Directors who program this report that it becomes one of the ensemble's most memorable performances of the season.
What to expect
Shrine of the Fallen balances sorrow and resilience. The music evokes both mourning and strength, moving between introspective passages that feel personal and sweeping orchestrations that convey collective grief and defiance. The unconventional ending, with your band singing rather than playing, transforms the final moments into something profoundly human.
Who it's for
Grade 4 concert bands seeking repertoire with artistic substance and cultural depth. This piece is ideal for ensembles ready to engage meaningfully with music that connects to real historical events and demands both technical control and emotional maturity from students.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the folk melody and harmonic elements carefully; the piece draws power from clarity of line rather than volume alone, so invest rehearsal time in blend across sections.
- Prepare the singing finale well in advance. Work the four-part harmony independently from the instrumental sections to ensure confidence and intonation before bringing them together.
- Shape the quotes of the Ukrainian National Anthem with expressive phrasing; these moments carry emotional weight and deserve space to breathe.
- Use the dynamic contrast between introspective and intense passages to tell the piece's narrative arc. Restraint in the quieter sections amplifies the impact of the climactic moments.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for concerts exploring cultural narratives or memorial themes. It pairs well with other contemporary works that address social issues or international traditions, and it works particularly effectively as a program closer or the opening of a second half. The emotional impact makes it a natural anchor for concert programs focused on music with purpose.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing independent melodic lines within thick harmonic textures
- Phrasing extended folk melodies with cultural authenticity
- Sight-reading Ukrainian and Russian-influenced harmonic language
- Ensemble singing in four-part harmony alongside instrumental writing
- Expressive control across a wide dynamic and emotional range