Invictus

Invictus is an orchestral setting of William Ernest Henley's poem of the same title and was commissioned by Charlie Doherty and the Damascus High School Music Department. Mr. Henley's text beautifully portrays the trials and tribulations experienced by man. The work opens with a dark shimmering pulse which accompanies the slow wave-like unfolding of the opening lines of the text. As the menacing colors subtly shift through the choir and the orchestra, long lyrical soloistic lines emerge over the darkness. The opening builds to a dramatic explosion of energy and quickly shifts to a slightly more optimistic outlook. The piece then struggles, trying to decide if pessimism or optimism wins as it travels through many different types of energy. Finally choosing optimism, the piece explodes to a triumphant closing. Parts are available for rental through Wrong Note Media, Inc. (www.WrongNoteMedia.com)