 | | | The Lion Of Lucerne | |
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With its dramatic opening and careful scoring, Jim Curnow's striking overture is destined to become standard literature for younger bands everywhere. Full of intriguing effects, it makes especially effective use of the brass sections without straining their abilities.
Technical Notes: The percussion 1 part contains the snare drum, tambourine and bass drum parts. The percussion 2 part contains the triangle, crash cymbal and suspended cymbal parts. The keyboard percussion part is labeled "Mallet Percussion" and contains the vibes, bells, chimes and xylophone parts.
In the 1400s, a group of 250 Swiss Soldiers (Swiss Guards Of Switzers) was picked to guard the Pope. In 1616, another group of Swiss Guards was organized to protect King Louis XIII of France. On August 10, 1792, during the French Revolution, most of the Swiss Guards were killed while defending the royal palace in Paris from attack by an angry mob. The memory of these Swiss Guards was preserved in the famous sculpture "Lion Of Lucerne", which was carved in the face of a rock in Lucerne, Switzerland by the Danish sculptor, Bertel Thorvaldsen. It bears the inscription, "To the Fidelity and Courage of the Helvetians".
The composer had the opportunity of seeing the sculpture in the summer of 1985. He was so taken with this magnificent sculpture that he decided to write an overture to attempt to capture the spirit of the sculpture and the story behind its creation.
There are three main themes used throughout: 1. Majesty - The Sculpture (measures 1 to 9, 19 to 25); 2. Spirit of the Swiss Guard (measures 36 to 51); and 3. Unser Leben (Life's Journey) (measures 81 to 100). Fragments from all themes are used through the piece in modulations, transitions and development sections and should be given proper importance when they are presented.
The first time the chorale appears (measures 81 to 89), it is in the form of a brass choir and should stylistically be approached in a majestic manner. The second presentation is also majestic, however much more triumphant than the first and should be treated accordingly.
"Lion Of Lucerne" presents many opportunities to teach style, articulation, dynamic contrast and control, sensitivity, tempo and key changes, and interpretation of a melodic line. Also, it presents the opportunity to relate historical and musical events of the period.
Estimated Performance Time: 5:45
Composed By: "The Lion Of Lucerne" was composed by Jim Curnow.
Published By: "The Lion Of Lucerne" was published by Hal Leonard Corporation.
Series: This piece is part of the series "Music For Young Band Series".
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| Instrumentation | | 1 | - | Full Score | | 10 | - | Flute/Piccolo | | 1 | - | Oboe | | 1 | - | Bassoon | | 4 | - | 1st B Flat Clarinet | | 4 | - | 2nd B Flat Clarinet | | 4 | - | 3rd B Flat Clarinet | | 1 | - | E Flat Alto Clarinet | | 2 | - | B Flat Bass Clarinet | | 2 | - | 1st E Flat Alto Saxophone | | 2 | - | 2nd E Flat Alto Saxophone | | 2 | - | B Flat Tenor Saxophone | | 1 | - | E Flat Baritone Saxophone | | 3 | - | 1st B Flat Trumpet | | 3 | - | 2nd B Flat Trumpet | | 3 | - | 3rd B Flat Trumpet | | 2 | - | 1st Horn In F | | 2 | - | 2nd Horn In F | | 3 | - | 1st Trombone | | 3 | - | 2nd Trombone | | 2 | - | Baritone T.C. | | 2 | - | Baritone B.C. | | 4 | - | Tuba | | 1 | - | String Bass | | 2 | - | Keyboard Percussion | | 2 | - | 1st Percussion | | 2 | - | 2nd Percussion | | 1 | - | Timpani |
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| | Other Pictures | | Front Cover | | Conductor Score | | Instrumentation | | Descriptive Page |
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Return Policy: This product may be returned within 30 days of purchase for a full refund, excluding shipping charges.
 Difficulty 3 on a scale of 1 to 6 with 6 being the hardest.
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