MONUMENT - For a Giant

Tommy Johnson was both a giant in our musical world and a major influence in my life, because of this I wanted to offer a lasting tribute to him. It was for this reason I commissioned John Stevens to write a new work in Tommy’s memory called MONUMENT.

I just heard from John today the good news that MONUMENT in finished; it is an 8 to 9 minute work for strings and solo tuba, which will also be available with piano accompaniment and will be published by Editions BIM.

It is said that one cannot commission a masterpiece but I deeply believe that John Stevens’s MONUMENT will be a truly great work for our instrument; with a composer of the quality of John, his deep knowledge of our instrument and the dedication to Tommy’s memory, the chances for a masterpiece are indeed great. I’m extremely pleased that icon tubist Gene Pokorny, Tommy’s good friend and student, has consented to play the world premier, which will take place this spring, time and place to be determined.

MONUMENT is not intended to be an exclusive piece, and as Tommy would have preferred, will be available to everyone as soon as possible. I deeply hope that our community will appreciate this work and that Tommy will be remembered.

Roger

January 22, 2007, Tokyo, Japan