Remembering Pearl Harbor

Description

Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Horn in F 3, Horn in F 4, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Chime, Bells, Marimba, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Suspended Cymbal, Crash Cymbals, Tom-tom, Gong, Percussion 3, Wind Chimes, Taiko — Written to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet, Remembering Pearl Harbor is a stirring tribute honoring the heroes of the “date which will live in infamy”- December 7, 1941. Like flying over the Pacific, the opening bars seemingly soar back in time. The composition takes the listener on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the fateful attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath.The musical voyage begins with chimes, signifying the hour of the attack that Sunday morning, developing into the heroic main theme representing the Spirit of America. A rousing version of Anchors Aweighxa0takes us to the naval base at Pearl Harbor and the activities of the day. By the end of Anchors Aweigh, the mood seems to change, foreshadowing the fate of the U.S. fleet.xa0xa0Next, the haunting theme of the Japanese National Anthem is heard and the distant sound of propellers as they approach. When the planes arrive, the battle rages until there is total destruction. Countless people lost their lives on this tragic day. The playing of Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save is presented as an homage to those who perished.Following this solemn moment, the American spirit begins to rise as they come together to defeat the enemy. As the U.S. triumphs in the end, we hear fragments of many American tunes depicting the strength and resilience of the American People.You may want to consider using portions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous speech to enhance your performance.xa0 The following sections are suggested:Measure 46: “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”Measure 83: “The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.”Measure 105: “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.” Written to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, this stirring tribute honors those who fought on December 7, 1941. Beginning with chimes signifying the hour of the attack, the composition takes the listeners and performers on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath. Including statements of "Anchors Aweigh", “Taps”, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”, and fragments of many other tunes, this composition demonstrates the resilience of all mankind.

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