Blackthorn March (Tales from the Darklands part 4)- Randall Standridge, Concert Band, Grade 1.5
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- Опубліковано 23 тра 2024
- About Tales from the Darklands
A few years back, I created a narrative work for concert band entitled The Darklands Symphony. It told the tale of several characters and places that I have created over the years in my imagination through stories, art, and, finally, music. All of the pieces were at the Grade 2-2.5 level and were very well received. I thought I was done with the Darklands.
I was wrong.
New stories and new figures populated that world, and I felt drawn to the subject matter again. Thus, we are beginning a whole new volume titled Tales from the Darklands. Unlike the Symphony, the “Tales” series will not be one long story but, rather, small individual tales that give more back story and depth to the Darklands Universe. Also, the entire “Tales” series will be written at the Grade 1-1.5 level, opening up the Darklands to a whole new level of players. Each “Tales” piece will be accompanied by supplemental material online, which may be found on my website
About Lady Blackthorn
On the tallest mountain in the Darklands sits a castle. From this dark and stately abode, Lady Blackthorn wages her war against Queen Oscura and all of her minions to retake the land that was stolen from her family many years ago. While the citizens of the Darklands view her as a hero due to her rebellion against the cruel rulers of the kingdom, Lady Blackthorn is neither good nor evil. Cunning and possessed of a controlled nature, she serves her own purposes and seeks allies only to further her quest to sit the Ebony Throne within Darkheart Castle. Never content to lead from safety, she stands at the front of her army, leading the march down the mountain to reclaim her birthright.
Blackthorn March is the “Tales of the Darklands” equivalent to Darklands March from the Darklands Symphony. This march borrows some of the harmonic language and motion from the other, while introducing new melodies and also being written for younger musicians. This march was also written in 2024, the ten-year anniversary of Darklands March.
A great song has an amazing sequel! Nice!
Sequel to a legendary song, is yet another legendary song, this song sounds really cool with those parts that sound loud and then fades with the clarinet slow part. I really like it great job!
Thank you! This piece uses some of the same harmonic language as Darklands March so they sound related, but I do think they sound distinct from each other as well. That is always the tricky part when you’re trying to do pieces that reference each other.
Yeah but it does sound distinct but similar with the part I was talking about and if I recall correctly, the part where the saxophone, flute, and oboe do the slow part the trumpet does the normal gist of the song.
This is great! I never played darklands march, however i did perform Darklands Legends at the AMIS honor band festival in March in Aberdeen. I really enjoyed the snare/bass drum part!
Fire song🔥
I liked Darklands so it’s nice to see a sequel
We played Darklands March for our spring concert this year and I absolutely loved it!! I love the way you honored its 10 years anniversary with this song as well, keep up the good work!
Thank you for listening!
Nostalgia from Blue Lake Camp Bernstein 2019 when I played Darklands March
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it
This man never misses!
Actually, I do. However, those pieces stay firmly on my computer. I have a little over 100 pieces that I will never release because I don’t feel they live up to my standards. I am very choosy about what I publish.
@@randallstandridge as someone who composes every now & then (nothing published), this type of information makes me feel like I'm not that far off the track. Thank you :)
Truly cannot wait to program some of your music in the future!
The Darklands Symphony:
1. Darklands March
2. Dance of the Mad Prince
3. The Serpent Priest and the Black Bell
4. The Queen's Masque
5. DarkHeart
Tales of the Darklands:
1. The Dragon Lord
2. The Lake of Sorrows
3. The Troll King (Coming Soon)
4. Blackthorn March
Almost. Blackthorn march is part 4. I’ll be posting part 3 (The Troll King) very soon
Thank you Mr. Standridge! I will update the list then :D