Prayer, Pain, Panic and Poise – A Tone Poem for Full Symphony Orchestra (Digital Download)

A Musical Portrait of an Unprecedented Crisis

Prayer, Pain, Panic and Poise: The Story of a Destructive Pandemic is an original tone poem for full symphony orchestra composed by Dennis Scheel. This sweeping 34-minute work captures not the events of the COVID-19 pandemic itself, but the full spectrum of human emotion and experience that arose in its wake — the desperate prayers, the searing pain, the widespread panic, and the quiet, dignified poise that emerged in the face of the unknown. A profound and deeply human musical journey.

Performance Level: Grade 5–6 (Advanced; suitable for professional and semi-professional symphony orchestras)

Duration: Approximately 34 minutes

Instrumentation

• 2 Flutes
• 2 Oboes
• English Horn
• 2 Clarinets in B♭ (2nd player doubling E♭ Clarinet)
• Bass Clarinet
• 2 Bassoons
• Contrabassoon
• 4 Horns in F
• 3 Trumpets in C
• 2 Tenor Trombones
• Bass Trombone
• Contrabass Tuba
• Percussion (Various)
• Strings

Have a Listen

▶ Preview / Download Audio

Score Sample

View Score Sample (PDF)

What's Included

• Full orchestral score (PDF)
• Individual instrument parts (PDF)
• One-time instant digital download upon purchase

Perfect For

• Full-sized symphony orchestras
• Conductors seeking powerful, contemporary Canadian repertoire
• Music educators, students, and enthusiasts
• Anyone moved by music that reflects the human experience