Long Ships, The

From Wind Repertory Project
Gene Milford

Gene Milford


Subtitle: A Viking Saga


General Info

Year: 2019
Duration: c. 4:40
Difficulty: III-1/2 (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Carl Fischer
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $95.00; (digital) - $95.00   |   Score Only (print) - $12.50


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe
Bassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Anvil
  • Bass Drum
  • Bells
  • Chimes
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Tambourine
  • Triangle
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The Vikings or Norsemen were the great explorers, warriors and traders of the European Middle Ages. In their iconic "long ships" they travel from their Scandinavian home as far west as Greenland and Newfoundland, south into the Mediterranean and east through Russia to the Black Sea. The Viking were also the scourge of the era and the cry "The long ships are coming" sent fear through the coastal and river communities throughout Great Britain and Europe. The Norse sagas, tales of gods and heroes, have inspired musicians and authors throughout the centuries.

The Long Ships: A Viking Saga portrays the drama and excitement of the adventures of Viking heroes and great tales of Norse mythology.

- Program Note from score


A majestic opening section with thundering drums and spirited brass fanfares leads to an aggressive main section that has bold melodies and changing meters. Powerful accompaniment lines with syncopated rhythms propel the piece forward before reaching a soft transition that slows the pace leading to a contrasting section with lyrical line and solos for trumpet and euphonium. The earlier aggressive material is then revisited, driving the composition to a dramatic conclusion.

- Program Note from The Instrumentalist


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • "New Music Reviews." The Instrumentalist 74.6 (February 2020): 28-29. Print.