I am happy to unveil my latest composition for orchestra: “Hail the Emperor”. It is about 9 minutes long and is scored for woodwinds in pairs, brass, timpani, 4 percussionists, harp, and strings.
If you think the title is a little on the grandiose side, you are right. I was attempting to convey the feeling of pride, pomp, awe, and splendor. I was imagining an emperor returning from his conquests, entering the city gates with great pageantry and spoils of victory.
To this end I have utilized the power of the brass section of the orchestra in multiple solo fanfares and as a unit. I also scattered driving triplets throughout all orchestra choirs and the percussion. The emperor (anticipation) theme sweeps widely across horns and strings.
I attempted to evoke an oriental feel by employing the pentatonic scale and parallel voice leading. And to top off the drama, I threw in a few crashes of the Chinese gong, also known as Tam-tam.
The middle section of the work gives stage to the string orchestra where I transform the emperor theme into a lyrical counterpoint culminating in a dissonant outburst.
The final section brings back the driving triplets and the testosterone-driven emperor returns with more force and drama. Everything ends with grandiose fireworks (musically speaking) with the audience hailing the Emperor.
Did I mention “grandiose”?
