Song Description

Snare Drum and Bass begin this military styled composition. Imagine troops assembling for battle. The percussion continues but trumpets and trombones begin playing an 80 bpm cadence which sets the tempo for a solo trumpet melody suggesting the implements of war or preparation perhaps even skirmishes between combatants. At the conclusion of this first theme a second theme is introduced by brass ensembles hinting victory. the first theme returns but is joined by solo trombone with a counter melody and Tuba and woodwinds giving us some rhythm. As the second theme follows it is played by the high strings and the second part of this piece begins. The second part is just the second theme of the first part played again and again. This time it's more mellow suggesting thoughts of home for the far away soldiers. This continues until the strings break into staccato arpeggios and the horns take the theme suggesting that victory is at hand. When the snares join in the chorus the theme is more aggressive as if victory is achieved and the soldiers have triumphed. Somber tubular bells preface the third part of the piece and the tone is more poignant. Strings and woodwinds are playing Adagio as we reflect upon the dead. A boys choir sings a heart wrenching theme with flutes providing an equally moving counter melody. A second theme is introduced by brass ensembles suggesting the price of victory in dead soldiers. Throughout, we hear a solo trumpet playing a recurring four note motif. The boys choir sings their sad melody again supported by the first violins. The second theme reemerges this time it's has more of a triumphant feel to it as the First violins play staccatos and the full brass ensemble bellows out the theme of victory at a cost. As the climax concludes, the snare drums replay the riff they played at the beginning of first part of the piece as if the piece is repeating but it finally ends on a somber note.