Shadows of the Pyramids
David Marlatt
Ensemble: Concert Band
Additional Performing Forces: Chorus
Grade: 4
Duration: 14:00
Year of Composition: 2008
Premiered by: Markham D.H.S. Wind Symphony (Bill Thomas, conductor)
Date of Premiere: May 8, 2008
Publisher: Eighth Note
Year of Publication: 2008
Publisher Catalog Number: CB28128
Available: Yes
How to Acquire: Publisher, Purchase
Links:
Piccolo
Flute 1, 2
Oboe
Bassoon
B♭ Clarinet 1, 2, 3
B♭ Bass Clarinet
E♭ Alto Sax 1, 2
B♭ Tenor Sax
E♭ Baritone Sax
B♭ Trumpet 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
F Horn 1, 2, 3, 4
Trombone 1, 2, 3
Baritone
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
[Mallet Percussion:] Vibraphone, Xylophone, Bells, Chimes
[Percussion 1:] Triangle, Wood Block, Wind Chimes, 2 Tom-toms, Bass Drum
[Percussion 2:] Cabasa, Tambourine, Suspended Cymbal, Vibraslap, Tam-tam, Crash Cymbals
Piano
Optional Choir
In four movements:
I. Sands of Time — Ra, the Sun God — Apophis, the Serpent
II. The Solar Temple of Heliopolis
III. The Underworld — The Tenth Region of the Night
IV. Amun-Ra, King of the Gods
Program Notes:
The early Egyptians, living in the ancient sands of time, believed that Ra created the world, and that the rising sun was the symbol of creation. The daily cycle of the sun rising, setting, then rising again symbolized renewal, and so Ra was seen as the master of creation and life.
Mvt. 1 — The legend states that each day, Ra was born and began a journey across the sky in his solar barque, or boat. This boat would sail through the twelve provinces, representing the twelve hours of daylight. At the end of each day, Ra was thought to have died and embarked on his night voyage through the twelve hours of darkness. His chief enemy was Apophis, a huge serpent that lived in the dark of the Underworld. Apophis tried to obstruct the solar boat's daily passage, but each time the Sun God was victorious.
Mvt. 2 — Heliopolis, near Crete, was the principal place of worship of the Sun God. Here, people would gather and pray for Ra's safe return from his trip to the Underworld, thus allowing the sun to rise again.
Mvt. 3 — Apophis waited for Ra just before dawn in the Tenth Region of the Night. Here, he would attack and a great battle would ensue. If Apophis was to defeat Ra, darkness and disorder would prevail. Occasionally he did succeed, resulting in a thunderstorm, earthquake, or even a solar eclipse.
Mvt. 4 — The Egyptians saw the sunrise as the rebirth of the sun and therefore attributed to the concept of rebirth and renewal to Ra, strengthening his role as the creator god, and eventually as Amun-Ra, the king of the Gods.
(Eighth Note Publications)
