Apollo's Chariot Nathan Daughtrey

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2007
Flute 1/2
Oboe (opt.)
Bb Clarinet in 1/2
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoon (opt.)
Eb Alto Saxophone 1/2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1/2
F Horn 1/2
Trombone
Baritone B.C.
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 [2 players] (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Triangle)
Percussion 2 [2 players] (Suspended Cymbal, Tam-Tam, Tambourine, Woodblock)
Opt. Mallet Percussion (Bells, Xylophone)
Apollo, the Greek god of prophesy, music, and healing, served as the inspiration for Apollo's Chariot. One of his daily tasks was to harness his chariot with four horses and drive the sun across the sky. Apollo was also a great warrior, bringing down the mighty Achilles with one of his arrows. For me, these two images set the stage for a dramatic work, with bold (and sometimes dissonant) harmonies and driving rhythms throughout. As the god of music, Apollo was known for playing the lyre and the lute. This more sensitive side of Apollo is represented in the lyricism of the peaceful ballad section at rehearsal m. 55. The peace is overcome by war at rehearsal m. 80, which drives to the exciting conclusion.