Owl Creek Bridge || April 2024 Challenge
(Piano and Orchestra Telling of a Tragic Tale)
YouTube now available at:
https://youtu.be/rRYEYyJ-Amk?
This piece is my submission for the April 2024 challenge. The story I have chosen is a classic American short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, a story of hope amidst tragedy (with a major twist) that may be familiar to anyone who has taken American Literature. The synopsis of the story is as follows:
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A man (Piano) is set to hang from Owl Creek Bridge for his crimes. He has been staged for the hanging, and he awaits his fate while staring at the river (Strings) below. Drums (Timpani) play in the background. While he waits, the man hears a strong, grating ticking noise (Claves), which turns out to be his watch.
At once, the man is dropped from the bridge to hang, but all of a sudden, THE NOOSE BREAKS and the man is dropped into the river below. He struggles mightily to get out of his binds but is able to get free of them and swim downriver. The regiment (Timpani) pursues the man but cannot keep up.
The man finally reaches a safe landing spot (Choir) to exit the river. His home is nearby so he will shortly rejoin his wife and his family. He makes the final trek home over land, still well ahead of the pursuing regiment.
He finally reaches his home and runs to the open arms of his loving wife. However, right as he reaches for her embrace, a large flash of light comes over his eyes and he feels a sharp blow to his neck. At once everything around him goes dark....
The man is dropped from the bridge to hang in his noose, his neck broken and his body swinging from side to side....
----
Please enjoy this piece and listen to the ENTIRE piece! Every part counts!
https://youtu.be/rRYEYyJ-Amk?
This piece is my submission for the April 2024 challenge. The story I have chosen is a classic American short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce, a story of hope amidst tragedy (with a major twist) that may be familiar to anyone who has taken American Literature. The synopsis of the story is as follows:
----
A man (Piano) is set to hang from Owl Creek Bridge for his crimes. He has been staged for the hanging, and he awaits his fate while staring at the river (Strings) below. Drums (Timpani) play in the background. While he waits, the man hears a strong, grating ticking noise (Claves), which turns out to be his watch.
At once, the man is dropped from the bridge to hang, but all of a sudden, THE NOOSE BREAKS and the man is dropped into the river below. He struggles mightily to get out of his binds but is able to get free of them and swim downriver. The regiment (Timpani) pursues the man but cannot keep up.
The man finally reaches a safe landing spot (Choir) to exit the river. His home is nearby so he will shortly rejoin his wife and his family. He makes the final trek home over land, still well ahead of the pursuing regiment.
He finally reaches his home and runs to the open arms of his loving wife. However, right as he reaches for her embrace, a large flash of light comes over his eyes and he feels a sharp blow to his neck. At once everything around him goes dark....
The man is dropped from the bridge to hang in his noose, his neck broken and his body swinging from side to side....
----
Please enjoy this piece and listen to the ENTIRE piece! Every part counts!
Published
Piano
Claves
Choir Tenor
Violin
Timpani