... and they gathered on Mount Carmel
I. The Incantations of the Prophets of Baal
II. The Prayer of Elijah
III. The Fire of the Living God
Comments
Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler, conductor [bio] The musical and spatial effects employed in this work allow the listener to experience the Biblical story on which it is based. Although it is a very exciting work in its entirety, each movement can be played separately. I especially appreciate how motives from all three movements are related. I have conducted this work on several occasions, including a concert tour, and it always blows the audience away. |
Dr. Richard Fischer, conductor [bio] Fantistic piece! The people on tour loved it! The group and I love it as well. [It was] the hit of our tour. Bravo! |
Dr. Doug Davis, composer [bio]
Thanks for getting our new Guest Composer Series off to such a positive start. Literally, it was a “God send” that concluded our first concert, as the band surrounded the audience and we performed your Fire of the Living God. As one band member stated, “In my 40 years of playing band music, that was the first time I ever saw a standing ovation at a band concert.” Wow, thanks for making it happen. |
The Ayers piece based on the story of Elijah's encounter with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is particularly stirring, wonderfully transporting and imaginative.
—Dr. Phil Norris
Christian Instrumentalists and Directors Association
Thank you so very much for the work you did with my band here at Heidelberg, and your friendly and open manner with the students. My students worked very hard on the piece, and we all learned a great deal both from the preparation of it, and from listening to your comments.
—Dr. John Owen
Director of Bands, Heidelberg College
In the summer of 2000, I had the privilege of performing ...and they gathered on Mount Carmel at Lutheran Summer Music Festival in Valparaiso, Indiana under the direction of Dr. Jeff Doebler. It was an amazing experience. The power of the piece and the acoustics of the chapel came together to create a powerful experience that floored me.
—Anna Johnson, student
Lutheran Summer Music Festival
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed working with you and performing your piece. I got a copy of the recording of the Parent's Day concert and so I'm hearing the complete performance for the first time from the audience's point of view. Wow. What a spectacular piece! I especially enjoyed hearing your insights and purpose for this piece. This was definitely the highlight of my semester, thank you.
—Kimiko Bacon, percussionist
This page last updated on 07/27/07