When I was a middle school student, my English teacher introduced us to a small section of the Beowulf poem.  I connected with it so strongly that, even in the pre-internet days, I sought out the rest of the poem to read.  As a kid, it thrilled me to explore the story of the brave hero who came to the rescue and charged into danger!
 
     The first movement of Beowulf Fantasy is a musical interpretation of the beginning of the epic poem.  In the poem, mighty Beowulf of the Geats sets sail with fourteen chosen men to heroically free the land of the Danes from the evil monster named Grendel.  The powerful Grendel hates the sounds of joy that come from Heorot, the mead-hall of the Danish King Hrothgar, and so he often kills and eats men from the hall.  The first movement depicts Beowulf’s journey across the sea to come to the aid of King Hrothgar against this unstoppable enemy.
 
     The opening measures are meant to indicate the preparation for Beowulf’s journey and the seriousness of the task at hand.  The tempo change and bold theme in the low brass characterize Beowulf’s bravery, strength, and determination.  The lighter 4/4 meter section symbolizes Beowulf reflecting on the lives of his men and the chance that they may not triumph over Grendel.  The return to 6/8 time shows Beowulf’s renewed confidence and resolve to save the Danes from Grendel’s terrorizing power.
 
INSTRUMENTATION:
Flute 1-2
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet in Bb 1-3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1-2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Trumpet in Bb 1-3
Horn in F 1-2
Trombone 1-3
Baritone b.c.
Baritone t.c.
Tuba
Percussion 1:  Timpani
Percussion 2:  Mallets
Percussion 3 & 4:  Snare drum & concert bass drum
Percussion 5:  Field drum (opt. tom)
Percussion 6:  Suspended cymbal
Percussion 7:  Crash cymbals, triangle
Percussion 8:  Gong, cabasa, tambourine
 
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