Description
Lights flash across the sky each year as the Draconid Meteor shower dazzles the night sky. Composer Sean O’Loughlin musically depicts this awe-inspiring natural occurrence with “Draconids.”
Program Notes
Inspired by the meteor shower of the same name, Draconids is an exciting and dramatic work for the developing Concert Band. With a mysterious opening, it sets the tone for some cinematic moments to come. The slow opening melody becomes the focus of the fast music at M.19.
With its major IV chord amongst a minor key, the music has lift and light as it moves through the minor tapestry. The music is equally aggressive and subtle throughout. The Percussion enhances the musical depiction of the meteor shower throughout. There is some interplay at M.31 where the melody is simultaneously played at tempo and in augmentation to create some important counterpoint. The low voices take over at M.41, which gives way to a buildup section at M.47. A recap of the counterpoint at M.67 signals a powerful momentum all the way to the exciting conclusion.
