Legend of the Sword

Tell the tale of a Japanese Samurai warrior as he prepares for and goes into battle with Legend of the Sword. Bold and powerful, a dynamic work that will capture the imagination of all who hear it. Mallet percussion statements introduce the ominous beginning as the stage is set for the intense battle that soon follows. An exciting work that pulses with unlimited verve and energy.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 3 | Duration: 3:40

Instrumentation
Flute 1/2
Oboe (opt.)
Bassoon (opt.)
Bb Clarinet in 1/2
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1/2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1/2
F Horn 1/2
Trombone 1/2
Baritone B.C.
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani (Woodblock)
Percussion 1 (Bells (shared w/ Player 2), Xylophone, Medium Tom (or Taiko Drum)
Percussion 2 (Chimes, Bells (shared w/ Player 1), Medium Low Tom (or Taiko Drum)
Percussion 3 (Bass Drum (or Large Taiko Drum), Low Tom
Percussion 4 (Wind Chimes, Tam-Tam, 3 Cymbals (different sizes)

Program Notes
Legend of the Sword tells the tale of a Japanese Samurai warrior as he prepares for and goes into battle. After a mysterious and ominous opening, the work comes to a rather dissonant climax followed by a brief silence (m. 17-18). The stage is now set for the intense battle that ensues. Just imagine the hundreds of warriors engaged in the fights with swords clashing

The work was commissioned by the West Forsyth High School Band (Jim Kirkpatrick and Chris Garmon, directors) as the opener for their 2007 marching band show. It has been re-imagined here for concert band.