Performed live on May 13th, 2023 as part of Christopher Keach's first Doctoral Recital.

Sonata for Heroes by Marcus Grant

I. With Bravery

II. With Integrity

III. With Courage

Christopher Keach, flugelhorn/trumpet

Alex Shafirov, piano

Program Notes:

Marcus S. Grant, born in 1992, serves as an Executive Board Member of the National Trumpet Competition, Co-Founder and Director of the Trumpeter’s Multitrack Competition and Seminar, Vice President of Diversify The Stand, and a professor of Music Theory and Aural Skills at Virginia Commonwealth University. Grant’s piece, Sonata for Heroes, was written in 2022 and premiered on November 11th by Jason Bergman.

Grant, describing Sonata for Heroes, says, “It’s you! Our Hero! You’re finally here! We’ve been waiting for you. Through the ages, someone has always stepped up to the plate to lead us, inspire us, and to save us. The trumpet world would be a dark and dreary place without the guiding lights of our fearless comrades, who step out of the woodworks and lead us into the new ages. Every time we ascend, we bring with us the truest and finest parts of our identity as trumpet players that have always made us who we are, and we use it to step forth and conquer the world in a way that we have never done before. It would not be possible without the visionary minds and tireless triumphs of our heroes. But the reality is... with every generation of trumpet players comes a new generation of heroes, and without them, we would be left chasing the dreams of our pasts forever. We may not always realize it, but every generation awaits its fearless new leaders to guide us until they, too, shall join the Hall of Fame with the leaders of old, who paved the way for us from the beginning.... That’s why we’re glad that you are here. The journeys of tomorrow lie ahead of us, and we will never leave your side because we know that you will lead us safely there. Now that you’re here, we cannot fail! We’ve seen it already. You are capable of great things. You have the power to create an energy and vibrancy in our world that no one else can. So... are you ready?”

This is the Canadian premiere of Grant’s Sonata for Heroes and is dedicated to my friend and hero, Peter R. Mathews.