Centurion

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Contrabass — Journey back to ancient Rome in this powerful string orchestra work depicting the strength and reach of the Roman armies through the eyes of a weathered centurion (a centurion is the equivalent of an Army captain). The work begins with a full statement of the Centurion motif in the high strings, which should be played with power and strength while in the rhythmic marching element (depicting the Roman Army) in the low strings propels us forward. The lyrical sections at mm. 13 through 32 in the viola and cello sections should be expressive and maintain that powerful sound first established in the violins at the beginning of the piece. From mm. 32–42, axa0 torrent of triplets drives toward a grander gesture of the Centurion motif in the violins and viola sections while the low strings maintain momentum and rhythmic precision. The piece continues to a more solemn restatement of the motif, a section which requires a great deal of expressive playing and vibrato, as the centurion reminisces about his accomplishments, before launching into one last battle from m. 59 to the end. Journey back to ancient Rome in this powerful string orchestra work depicting the strength of Roman armies through the eyes of a weathered centurion. Set in D minor, the opening statement in violins displays power and strength while rhythmic marching elements drive forward in the low strings. A torrent of energetic triplets push toward a solemn and expressive restatement before launching into one final battle to the end.

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