I wrote “Threnody” in memory of an old friend of mine, saxophonist Thomas Liley. We knew each other since high school. We were in university together and even played in the same dance band. He later played in the US Navy Band for four years. As I understand it, he collapsed while teaching a lesson and died soon after. I think it was a stroke. The ascending saxophone at the conclusion of the piece is intended to describe Tom’s rise into “Himmel”.

James Barnes