THE FIRE OF THE LIVING GOD

A surround-sound programmatic work based on I Kings 18
(the 3rd mvt. of AND THEY GATHERED ON MOUNT CARMEL)
— Orchestra version —

Finalist, 2013 American Prize for Composition

9 minutes
ORIGINAL, EXPANDED ORCH VERSION: 3333 – 4662 – timp+5 – pno – strings
STANDARD ORCH VERSION: 3232 – 4331 – timp+3 – pno – opt SA chorus – strings
The brass are split into two choirs, one of each side of the audience.
Several extra “performers” twirling whistling tubes.
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BLOWS  THE  AUDIENCE  AWAY
I have conducted this work on several occasions and it always blows the audience away. All of Ayers’ works are extremely well-crafted.
— Jeffrey Scott Doebler, former president, Indiana Music Educators Assn.

Score – expanded orchestra – $40
(preferred, original version)
3333 – 4662 – timp+5

Score – standard orchestra – $40
3232 – 4331 – timp+3

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Also available for Concert Band

STANDING  OVATION


The Jesse Ayers’ piece, a major change up from traditional fare with the almost other-worldly rhythms and tones had the desired effect on the audience: a standing ovation in the middle of the concert!

— Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra blog

Video: 3rd mvt, Susquehanna Symphony

The Lamont Symphony Orchestra; Lawrence Golan, conducting; Kenneth Cox, narrating.

Performed by:

  • Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra, Sheldon Bair, conducting
  • Windiana Concert Band, Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler, conducting
  • University of Rhode Island Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Dr. Gene Pollart, conducting
  • Concordia Wind Orchestra, Dr. Jeff Held, conducting
  • The Slovenian Armed Forces Orchestra; Milivoj Surbek, conducting; as part of the 2003 ISCM World Music Days new music festival.
  • The California State University – Bakersfield Concert Band; Doug Davis, conducting.
  • Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band, Dr. Jeffrey Scott Doebler, conducting
  • Heidelberg College Symphonic Band, Dr. John Owens, conducting
  • Concordia University Chicago Wind Symphony, Dr. Richard Fischer, conducting
  • Virginia Intercollegiate Honors Band, Dr. Jesse Ayers, conducting
  • University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, Dr. Richard Clary, conducting

Whistling Tubes

This piece uses several extra “performers” surrounding the audience twirling whistling tubes. These performers can be guests such as local students, board members, or dignitaries.

The tubes are available from toy stores and online retailers like Amazon.  A Google search for “whistling tubes” should locate them.

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