Sailing with Whales

Opening with a trumpet fanfare, we set sail in search of the majestic orca, or killer whale. The main theme, stated by the trombones, encompasses the thrilling search for and trek with the whales in their natural habitat. The noble and majestic secondary theme captures a quieter time on the ocean as these highly social whales travel to calmer waters as the sun begins to set. The next day, as the waves swell, the pace of the music accelerates as the sailors try to keep up with the ocean giants as they move faster and faster. After a brief recapitulation of the main thematic material, the piece comes to a riveting, rhythmic conclusion.