Assignment #2 Jonathan Ross

Artistic inspiration M October 6, 2014

If I were a creative artist, I would compose a piece covering the history of the US-Iraq
War with a special focus on a tribute to those lost in the conflict. The composition would be a
symphonic work, so the piece would be for large ensemble and not small ensemble or soloist,
although the work itself may contain some elements of solo or small ensemble works. In most
symphonic works, there are no parts for voice, so my piece would not include parts for voice,
either, so that I could create a more legitimate work. I dont think that voice parts are
necessary for symphonic works anyway, because there can be enough expression and musical
interpretation in instruments as there are with voices.

The piece would start off with a short brass excerpt that sets the mood for the piece,
followed by a melody brought in by the high and middle woodwinds, while the percussion
creates an exciting rhythm to drive the aggression of the piece. This aggression mimics the
purpose of the piece. After some variations on the original melody, there will be either a short
soloist-like section where different instruments carry the melody over an extended period of
time. The melody gets quieter and quieter, until a chorale-like theme emerges and then dissipates
as the entire symphony picks up the original melody with louder and louder dynamics to create a
climax. The piece then ends as it started to give it a fulfilling effect.