David Gillingham (b. 1947) is an American composer and teacher whose dozens of concert works, especially for wind bands and percussion, are played widely throughout the United States and the world. Educated at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Michigan State University, he is retired from Central Michigan University, where he was Professor of Music for many years. He remains in demand for commissions, and continues to win awards for his music. Learn more about him at his website, Wikipedia, and C. Alan Publications.
Gillingham wrote Be Thou My Vision in 1999 for Molly and Ray Cramer. His program notes detail the making of the piece:
It was an honor and privilege to compose this work for Ray and Molly Cramer in honor of their parents. The work is heartfelt, expressive and hopefully inspiring. The hymn tune Slane is one of my favorites and inspired me to compose a countermelody which is likened to an old Irish ballad. Since Slane is, in fact, an old Irish ballad, the two tunes share this unique camaraderie.
The work opens with a medieval-like flavor of reverence leading to the first presentation of Slane (Be Thou My Vision) in D-minor stated in chant-like somberness by the euphonium. Following, the newly composed Irish ballad is sung by the flute, which leads to a dramatic statement of Be Thou My Vision by the full ensemble in A-major. The work is interrupted by a prayerful interlude. Following is the marriage of the two Irish tunes in D-flat major which grows to a glorious climax and then subsides. A heavenly benediction closes the work.
The US Marine Band performs Be Thou My Vision:
Gillingham names “Slane” as his inspiration. Here is the straight-ahead churchy version:
And here is a delightful ukulele version:
See more about Be Thou My Vision at J. W. Pepper, the Wind Repertory Project, and C. Alan Publications.