XXXIII

Earlier tonight I finished up a larger piece of music called, Battle of Hurtgen Forest. I didn't actually have any family in that battle of WW2, hell I don't think I had any family of any actual blood in WW2, we were either lawyers, judges or we shot ourselves in the foot from what I know of it. Its using the classical orchestral format of four winds, two brass, a single timpani group, one tuned to B and the other tuned to D, and a string quintet. I think the F horn memorium is one of the best parts, you can tell its at the end of the "battle" with a slow mellow declaration of victory. A very beautiful piece I think, you can really feel it in the end after everything is said an done. After finishing it up I didn't honestly know what to do, I just kind of sat here listening to it and meditating on the moment. Its that last section that I think really pushes the emotional point of the title.

For those not familiar with the battle that took place, watch the movie When Trumpets Fade. That is without a doubt the inspiration for the piece. Other than that I don't know what to say about it, its kind of overwhelming to me.

In other news, still trying my damnedest to finish that new marimba piece. I think after this I will no longer take commissions for percussion piece unless its for a very large sum of money, they just irk me way to damned much as it were. I found a violin teacher, He's a retired orchestra director, with over 40 years experience. I think it will be a joy to learn under him. Maybe even as much of a joy as learning from my old band teacher for trumpet, Tracy Farr. Such is life. Have fun people :)