Rick Kirby

In this dynamic concert opener, Rick Kirby incorporates the normally hymn-like strains of “America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)” into a fast and energetic fanfare. The actual melody is stated only once in its entirety, and many liberties are taken with both melodic and harmonic elements of the original. Breathtaking! Dur: 1:40 (Grade 4)

The logging industry of Rib Lake in northern Wisconsin faded away 70 years ago, but echoes of that era remain today. Echoes in the Woods depicts the large mechanized logging camps of that earlier time, and also the quiet beauty of the forests and lakes in the region today. Using an overture format and a sense of bold adventure, this work features exciting rhythmic passages contrasted with a flowing and lyrical middle section. Dur: 4:55

This descriptive and engaging work follows the ancient tale of a handsome young prince forced (through evil sorcery) to live part of his life as a dragon. He marries the beautiful Griselda under the condition she never try to uncover his dark secret. Fate and curiosity intervene and she discovers his scaly and hideous identity only to be banished from his kingdom forever. With a significant portion of the fast section scored in 6/8, the music effectively spans emotions ranging from the dramatic, to tenderness, to majestic. Dur: 4:00