Return to Innocence

for Percussion Ensemble & SATB Choir

With text from a poem of the same title by the composer, Return to Innocence begins with dissonant vocal harmonies and a spattering of mallet parts, then winds its way through the musical spectrum to its gentle, tonal and subtle conclusion.

Program Notes

Based on a poem of the same title written by the composer, Return to Innocence dramatically depicts the beautiful words, taking the listener on a journey through many different moods.

'Return to Innocence' by David Gillingham
Look inward
to the depths of your soul.
Seek the childhood innocence
that time stole.
Envision the world
through child-like eyes,
Then of earthly matters
We are wise.

Youthful ideal,
Age of resplendence.
Return, sweet return
Return to innocence.

Drums of conflict
Resound through the air.
Beckoning the world
Into Hatred's snare.
Cast away prejudice
Perceive as a child
And troubles wane.

Youthful ideal,
Age of resplendence.
Return, sweet return
Return to innocence.

Our space is stifled
The air is tainted.
Clouding the picture of what
nature has painted.
Return to the land
and purity of birth.
Banish the poisons
that shroud the earth.

Youthful ideal,
Age of resplendence.
Return, sweet return
Return to innocence.

Make the many as one,
The world into a whole
Become children unified
by a common soul.
Brotherhood shall reign.
Our spirits redeemed.
When we return
to our childhood dreams.

Youthful ideal,
Age of resplendence.
Return, sweet return
Return to innocence.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2003
Number of Players: 6 + Piano & Choir
Duration: 15:00

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Instrumentation

SATB Choir
Piano
Percussion 1 (bells, xylophone, crotales)
Percussion 2 (3-octave, vibraphone, chimes, crotales)
Percussion 3 (4-octave marimba)
Percussion 4 (4-octave marimba, suspended cymbal, anvil, tam-tam snare drum)
Percussion 5 (3 tom-toms, small bass drum, suspended cymbal)
Timpani