Track Description: This is a piece I wrote as an expression of gratitude to commemorate fallen soldiers on U.S. Memorial Day.
My Creative Vision: I wanted to portray a somber atmosphere as well as feelings of triumph, and end up with an inspirational, uplifting composition. I love the ending title music to many movies, which is the effect I was after through use of layering melodies/countermelodies, trumpet fanfare and then fade-out.
Composition Overview: The piece starts with an a capella mixed chorus in somber tones in the key of D-minor, very hymn-like, followed by a timpani roll and the solitary tones of a chime. I then add in a pipe organ which sets the scene to more of a cathedral-like venue.
The arpeggios of the organ give way to the same sequence on piano. Spiccato strings join in in a rhythmic accompaniment. A more flowing strings section brings more of an air of hope, which gives way to a short transition to B flat minor and a wind passage. As I tend to do in many of my pieces, the winds play also in a very hymn-like manner, reminiscent of the hymns I’ve sung all of my life, with a bit of an American-revolutionary feel to it.
I then make an abrupt shift back to D minor with the entrance of the horns and the final theme of the piece. The brass section takes over from here on out.
Main Sounds: I use primarily EWSL sounds for strings, brass, percussion and woodwinds, with additional libraries for the organ and voices.