Of Metal and Magic

Description

Flute, Oboe, Flute 2, Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Bassoon, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallets, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Brake Drum — In Norse mythology, Odin carries a might spear called Gungnir (pronounced “GUNG-neer”). No ordinary spear, Gungnir was created by the dwarves. The master blacksmith dwarf Dvalin created the spear at the request of Loki. Dvalin carved runes into its point using magic to increase its power in battle. The spear is further described as having incredible balance and could strike any target in battle. When Loki returned to Asgard, he presented the spear to Odin along with other treasures that he tricked the dwarves into making for him.Of Metal and Magic (Forging Gungnir) is a sonic journey of the spear’s creation. Within the piece, the sounds associated with meticulous work of the dwarves are heard across the ensemble. The brass and woodwinds are required to tap a pencil (or wooden dowel rod) against their music stand at points in a direct response to the rhythms of the percussion section. Percussion must use a brake drum (or low sounding metal clang) and the sides of the timpani bowls along with metal mallets on the bell set. The tempo at the beginning (q = 120) needs to remain steady throughout, just as a blacksmith would hammer away deliberately and methodically. Encourage the ensemble to play with a unified articulation style allowing for space between notes marked as staccato, and placing strong emphasis with beautiful tone on accented notes.For more perspectives on the fantastic stories in Norse mythology, I would encourage students to visit Daniel McCoy’s website. He contributes articles based upon extensive research that provide engaging perspective that goes beyond what is generally seen in popular culture (www.norse-mythology.org).Thank you in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you and your students well as you extend the story Of Metal and Magic. Inspired by Norse mythology, this piece depicts the creation of Odin's spear, Gungnir, forged by the dwarf Dvalin. The music captures the meticulous work of the blacksmiths, with percussion and woodwind instruments tapping on music stands and using metal sounds to mimic the forging process. The steady tempo and unified articulation emphasize the deliberate crafting of the mythical weapon.

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