John Stevens

Monument

Monument', a nine minute Elegy for solo tuba and strings (also with piano reduction by the composer) was written from November 2006 through January 2007. The work was commissioned by the renowned tuba icon Roger Bobo and dedicated to the memory of his great friend and esteemed colleague, tuba virtuoso Tommy Johnson (1935-2006). The title was suggested by Roger Bobo as an appropriate way of remembering a man of exceptional stature, truly monumental and highly admired and respected by all of his friends, colleagues and students. I was deeply and profoundly honored to be asked to compose this work, knowing how important was Roger Bobo's relationship to Tommy Johnson. This work is intended to be an aural version of a monument; a way to permanently honor Tommy Johnson's legacy through the medium in which he worked. It is my hope that the music will convey a timeless sense of dignity, humanity and beauty, with an American flavor that reflects the era in which Tommy Johnson lived and worked. John Stevens