Caronte's Voyage

The recording is taken from the orchestral version.

Music Home

Home Page

 

Caronte's Voyage

Caronte's Voyage was originally written for my degree for a course called Composing and Arranging for Young People. The original version was for string orchestra of various levels from beginners to Grade 5. The piece was scored for double string orchestra with the first orchestra (a) for the advanced players and the second (b) for the beginner players. The orchestration is such that most parts can be omitted and the beginner parts are usually doubled for support. This version was completed on the 10th January 2000.

The piece is named after Caronte, the ferryman of the dead from Greek mythology. The souls of the deceased are brought to him by Hermes, and Caronte ferries them across the river Styx.

The piece is in Rondo form with the main theme being dance-like and modal. In the middle of the piece the plainchant Dies Irae (from the Requiem Mass) is heard. This is later added in counterpoint to the main theme.

The piece was revised and re orchestrated in May 2004 for Furze Platt Senior School Orchestra. This version retains the form and character of the original but adds colour to the piece through the orchestration. The new version is scored for:

Flutes 1,2,3
Oboe
Clarinets 1,2
Horn
Trumpets 1,2
Trombone
Baritone Horns 1,2
Timpani
Tambourine
Tenor Drum
Cymbals
Xylophone
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Cello
Double Bass

Recent Performances:
-(December, 2004) Maidenhead, UK. Premier at Furze Platt Senior School's Christmas Concert.

 

Caronte's Voyage

You can view the score on my Sibelius website by clicking below. If you wish to purchase the score, please email me for a price list. Upon receipt of the fee, a PDF of the score will be emailed to the purchaser.

String Orchestra Version

Orchestral Version

spacer
spacer spacer
Updated: October 18, 2008
spacer
      Email: guybunce@hotmail.com
Other Links Events Biography Teaching Academic MusicHome