Jörmungandr (String Orchestra + Drum Set Gr. 4)

Jörmungandr is an exciting piece for string orchestra and drum set that explores themes of Norse mythology. Using a variety of extended techniques for strings, double-bass drum patterns on the drum set, and a multitude of heavy metal tropes, this piece should be a performer and audience favorite!

Genre: String Orchestra with Drum Set | # of Players: Standard + 1
Level: 4 | Duration: 5:00

Instrumentation
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Violoncello
Contrabass
Drum Set


Program Notes
Jörmungandr is based on Norse mythology (and also a tribute to one of my favorite metal bands, Amon Amarth) and covers four distinct scenes — Thor’s initial discovery and fight against the serpent Jörmungandr, Jörmungandr sleeping in the depths of the ocean, his escape, and finally the events of Ragnarok in which Jörmungandr dies, but also brings Thor down with him. The music is programmed for a traditional string orchestra and a drum set player with access to a double bass drum pedal. The parts are challenging, but are definitely achievable by the high school musician.

It would be thoughtless of me to not mention the great help of Colin Waddell, the director of the Putnam City High School orchestra and his students in the final edits of this piece. They worked on it for a few months and were set to premiere it in May 2020 before the Covid-19 pandemic canceled school for the remainder of the year.

-J.D.D