MUSIC CATALOGUE > GALACTIC ODYSSEY
GALACTIC ODYSSEY
BRASS BAND SCORE! A new major work for brass bands.
Conductor's notes by Historian Dr. Wayne B. Bartlett and Composer Darren Marc Bartlett. GALACTIC ODYSSEY - A Constellation Suite - Journey to the Stars 1) AQUILA - THE EAGLE (magnifico) In Greek mythology Eagles were used to represent an ascension up to the heavens. The opening stanza depicts the wonder of such miraculous acts. A sense of grandeur and of the magnificence of the universe should shine through. 2) DRACO - THE DRAGON (con fuoco)
The "Celestial pole" or "Seat of Judgement" was guarded by the celestial serpent, the constellation Draco. As the marking indicates, this section should be played "with fire" and exuberance. 3) CYGNUS - THE SWAN ( cantabile con calore) Swans are known for their swan-song, it was believed that these birds of regal grace sang only once in their lifetime, just before they die. "To be swan-like" is to greet death with a song of exceptional beauty and calm acceptance. This should be played in a spirit of contemplation with pathos and warmth. 4) DELPHINUS- THE DOLPHIN (capriccio) Dolphins are well-known for their agility and their capricious behaviour; many species will leap out of the water to view their surroundings. This should be performed with a sense of breathless joy with playfulness & humour as its key characteristics, as depicted by the tin whistle and timpani glissandos. 5) AQUARIUS - THE WATER CARRIER ( tranquillo) Latin for "water carrier", Aquarius is one of the first-recognised constellations and was recorded in the 2nd Century by the astronomer Ptolemy. In this section the marimba emulates the sound of water along with the rain-stick; the rhythm of the raindrops must come through. This is followed by a more melancholic melody which should be played sweetly but sorrowfully; the impact of the elements leading to inward reflection. 6) ORION - THE HUNTER (minaccioso) The scoring here aims to suggest menace and conjures up the threat of the hunt. Bar 10 should be played with edge from the Trombones as the Hunter seeks out his victim. The 'rips' from the Tenor Horns & Euphoniums should emulate the French Horn. Bar 28 sees the commencement of the chase as the Hunter moves on his prey. At Bar 34 the percussion indicates danger is imminent: a sense of threat should cut through with the driving rhythm, a la bolero. This will be reinforced by a strict adherence to the beat, representing the remorseless persistence of the Hunter and the seeming impossibility of the prey's escape. As we move towards the climax of the music, Bar 49 begins with a series of semiquavers depicting stars appearing in the sky. This segues to a frenzied finale, the capture of the exhausted prey and the Hunter's victorious conclusion. 
GALACTIC ODYSSEY
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