CONCERT BAND
VALKYRIE RISING
Chris Pilsner
Instrumentation: Concert Band
Difficulty: Grade 4.5
Duration: 6 Minutes
Recording: Vienna Synchron Stage Wind Ensemble - Chris Pilsner, conductor
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NOTE FROM COMPOSER
Valkyrie Rising is a huge departure from my normal compositional style. My goal with this piece was to create something that was fun, loud, and exciting throughout. And those ideas formed through a sense of constant motion and polyrhythmic motives.
Throughout the piece there is a heavy emphasis never letting the audience tell if the piece is in 6/8 or 3/4. Furthermore, I utilize frequent hemiolas to create a complex rhythmic texture that makes sure to fill any static space.
The title refers to a fantastical version of the female figures from Norse mythology whom choose who lives and dies in battle. My interpretation views these powerful women battling with the power over life and death in the midst of an incredible turmoil, while also showing their true regal nature of bringing the fallen warriors to the afterlife hall of the slain, Valhalla.
Valkyrie Rising is composed for and dedicated to my dear friend Corry Petersen.
About the Commission:
Valkyrie Rising was commissioned by Corry Petersen and the Poudre High School Wind Ensemble in 2019. It premiered on March 5, 2019 at the Colorado Bandmasters Association Regional Festival.