Apollo's Chariot
by Nathan Daughtrey
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert band (Flute 1/2, Oboe (opt.), Bb Clarinet in 1/2, Bb Bass Clarinet, Bassoon (opt.), Eb Alto Saxophone 1/2, Bb Tenor Saxophone, Eb Baritone Saxophone, Bb Trumpet 1/2, F Horn 1/2, Trombone, Baritone B.C., (Baritone T.C.), Tuba, Timpani, Percussion 1 [2 players] () - grade 2

SKU: CN.11980

Composed by Nathan Daughtrey. Band Music. Score and parts. Duration 3:30. Published by C. Alan Publications (CN.11980).

You'll want to grab the reins of the nearest chariot when you experience the action of this wonderfully descriptive work. Thundering percussion provides the fuel throughout, even though the parts are well within the playing abilities of this level. Well written and effectively scored, it will have younger groups sounding much more developed and mature.

Apollo, the Greek god of prophesy, music, and healing, served as the inspiration for Apollo's Chariot. One of his daily tasks was to harness his chariot with four horses and drive the sun across the sky. Apollo was also a great warrior, bringing down the mighty Achilles with one of his arrows. For me, these two images set the stage for a dramatic work, with bold (and sometimes dissonant) harmonies and driving rhythms throughout. As the god of music, Apollo was known for playing the lyre and the lute. This more sensitive side of Apollo is represented in the lyricism of the peaceful ballad section at rehearsal m. 55. The peace is overcome by war at rehearsal m. 80, which drives to the exciting conclusion.