Radiant Rhapsody

Radiant Rhapsody

Full Orchestra
String Orchestra
Wind Ensemble
Vocal
Chamber
Solo Instrumental

Commissioned by the Lawrence Intermediate School, Lawrenceville, NJ, and Yorkville School District 115, Yorkville, IL orchestra programs in memory of the radiant spirit of Joey Burdiak. Special thanks to Lori Templeton, Candy Jett, Angela Nash, Hillary Stephens, Jessica McGinley, Dawn Smith, and the Lawrence Township Education Foundation.

Radiant Rhapsody was written to celebrate the life of Joey Burdiak, who was taken from us way too early in a car accident. He played violin and was a joyful and funny kid. This piece reflects his warm nature and radiance. Much of the music is based on musical ideas composed by students at Lawrence Intermediate School in the memory of Joey, all tied together with an energetic fanfare-like music that is heard right at the opening. Some of Joey’s favorite music included the songs of Queen, and in measures 60 and 61, there’s a direct reference to the opening of Bohemian Rhapsody, with a very upbeat arrangement of the first two chords and vocal lines.

Grade 2
Duration: ca. 3'

Listen to the Blue Valley Northwest High School Orchestra, conducted by Mike Arbucci:

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