Skywalker

Skywalker was inspired, literally, by a dream…a vision. I think most people can at least relate to a level of faith in a power greater than themselves, whether that be a deity who is considered to be the ancient of days, or the universe itself with its vast, immense power and forces of creation. Whichever be the case, when the world is in trouble, people of faith seek a higher power greater than themselves for rescue, for salvation. The main thematic material, what I call “the hook” of “Skywalker” (meas. 82 “Con Risoluzione”…with resolute purpose to resolve the chaos of the world) came to me in the middle of the night as I was sleeping, and I envisioned the hero of my faith walking across the sky with resolute power and authority. All of the other thematic materials came to me like pieces of a musical puzzle during my process of composing this piece. “Mysterioso”, the opening of this piece, depicts a young child playing freely on an open country field when they begin to sense a change in the atmosphere. As a gentle wind blows (as illustrated by the auxiliary percussion) across the grass, the child wanders instinctively towards the source, the energy of this impending change. The haunting melody of the solo guitar (meas. 5) plays as the child makes their way towards a hill in the field, the top of which is the place where, for this witness, all will be revealed. Measure 38, “Allegro con Moto”, with its upbeat tempo and vibrancy, is the energy of the daily grinding pace of the populace, not yet aware of the impending change coming their way. This has a more jazzy flavor to it with the rhythm section of the Percussion, and the solo work from the Tuba and Trombone, then the rest of the low brass section joins in as the build up to the great reveal. Measure 82… “and every eye shall see…” The world must stop and take full notice as the Skywalker takes his steps across with the crystal-clear blue sky as his backdrop and the white clouds at his feet. A new kind of chaos ensues as the world witnesses this heavenly event right before their eyes, as illustrated by the full ensemble of the Woodwinds, Brass, and the strong, energetic rhythm of the full Percussion. “Maestoso” at measure 170 speaks to the sheer majesty of the sight this heavenly descent as the hero continues his quest with undeniable power and authority, as boldly set up by the Percussion. Then, perhaps the most intense moment of this piece is the “Appassionato”, with great musical passion at measure 184. Then we move to a moment of peace and beauty at measure 192, “Tranquillo”, with a beautiful melodic solo in the Oboe. Then the Timpani catapults us into the throws of victory (“Victorioso” meas. 204) as the Horns and Trumpets melodically proclaim the victory as the woodwinds and mallets flurry with rhythmic celebration. Then at measure 221, the piece makes its bold proclamation of victory to complete the finale.