Located in the UK
Located in the USA
Located in Europe
- Robert Xavier Rodríguez
Flight: The Story of Wilbur and Orville Wright (2002)
- G Schirmer Inc (World)
- 2+pic.1+ca.2.2(cbn)/4.3Ctpt.3.1/timp.3perc/pf.hp/str; recorded sounds of airplane engines
- Female narrator
- 23 min
- Sukey Smith
Programme Note
An inspiring commemoration of the centennial (1903-2003) of powered flight. A female narrator portrays the Wright Brothers' younger sister, Katharine, in period costume. The orchestra dramatically underscores her recounting of her brothers' childhood dreams of flight, their early experiments, her fears for their safety and the eventual triumph of the two American heroes. The musical score includes three brief musical quotations: the hymn "Rise Up, O Men of God," as the text mentions "Sundays — our day of church and family"; a fragment from Paul Dukas' The Sorcerer's Apprentice at the mention of "magic"; and the "Avarice" theme from Rodríguez' own ballet, The Seven Deadly Sins at the mention of "other inventors — hungry for fame and fortune." Real airplane "zooms" join the orchestra in the exciting finale: a natural for the Fourth of July or other patriotic celebrations.
Media
Flight: The Story of Wilbur & Orville Wright
Scores
Features
- Independent Repertoire: American History and Politics
- The rich, complex, and often tumultuous history of American politics has been a key concern for many American composers. Their political engagement ranges from earnest celebration of national triumph to sobering investigations of the painful past. These works help us better understand our current realities through the sounds of our history.