Montgomery Variations: VII. Benediction

(Starts at 19:48)

"Much of Bonds’ work was inspired by traditional spirituals, but Montgomery Variations was inspired by a historical event. This orchestral piece was written in 1965 in response to the Selma to Montgomery March led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. According to The Washington Post, Montgomery Variations and other pieces by Bonds were found in 2017 “next to a dumpster, waiting to be thrown out.” Many of the pieces discovered were thought to be unfinished, lost, or non-existent." - Nashville Symphony’s teaching resource for Mvmts 1, 3, and 4

Melody / Form: This movement features two melodies that alternate in ABABA form. Last two iterations are both quite short. The timestamps are as follows:

A: 20:05
B: 21:20
A: 22:50
B: 23:43
A: 24:10

Meter Assessment: (for suggested activity, see Movement I)

Table of Contents - Montgomery Variations:
I. The Decision
II. Prayer Meeting
III. March
IV. Dawn in Dixie
V. One Sunday in the South
VI. Lament
VII. Benediction