HEYYYHOOO
this will be our choice piece for SYF 2009:
LEGEND OF THE ANCIENT HERO Composer: Mr. Benjamin Yeo
background of the piece:
Level of Difficulty: Grade 4.5
Approximate Performance Duration: 8:19 mins
Dramatic and powerful, LEGEND OF THE ANCIENT HERO tells the musical story of a warrior in ancient times who risked his life to save his country from being conquered. Combined with exciting rhythmic elements and a contrasting lyrical section, this programmatic work will definitely be the highlight in your band concert, contest or festival performances! Solos for flute, trumpet and saxophone also provide opportunities to feature the best in your band. Simply exceptional!
Written in seven short movements, the piece depicts the story of a young warrior who travelled far to the battlefied from his kingdom leading his army troops on galloping horses. At the war-front, a distant bugle call and the war drums are heard signifying the start of the war. Tension begins and both troops started attack as they galloped towards each other on their horses. Chaos and bloodshed are marked by clashing dissonances and irregular meters in the music. As the war comes to an end, soldiers who lost their lives covered the battlefied in red. The aftermath of the war is a tragic one although peace on the ground resumes. The beauty of the main theme is heard as it reaches the climax giving its highest tribute to the Hero. The country is saved and the people sees hope in starting their new lives. However, the Hero has not been forgotten. His “un-perished” spirit remained in the people’s heart and his name lives forever as the piece approaches to an exciting end.
This piece had its World Premiere by the St. Andrew’s Junior College Concert Band (Singapore) at the Victoria Concert Hall on 27 January 2008.
To listen to an audio recording of the premiere: Legend of the Ancient Hero (World Premiere MP3)
