Cloud rider

Price, Daniel Ian

Abstract

Commissioned in 2015 by trombone virtuoso Brett Baker, Cloud Rider takes inspiration from Norse mythology and the legend of the Valkyries.
The Valkyries are a host of female figures who ride great steeds and hover over the battle field, deciding which warriors will live and which will die. Once the battle is over the Valkyries collect the dead soldiers and carry them back to the afterlife - the realm of Asgard, laying them at the feet of Odin in his great “Hall of the Slain,” Valhalla.

The work opens quietly with a fast paced accompaniment, which should give the impression of flight. Solo trombone presents the main theme which draws its construction from a fanfare motif and has an almost ‘superhero’ quality to it. The work remains in this heraldic vain almost entirely with the theme appearing on different instruments within the ensemble. Interplay between the soloist and ensemble plays a large part of this work and there is opportunity for the other trombones in particular to join the soloist in a duet and finally as a trio.

• Other Type: Composition
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Dec 9, 2015
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.17866/rd.salford.8115947.v1
• Publisher URL: https://salford.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Cloud_Rider/8115947
• Additional Information: Accompaniment : Brass Band; Composition Type : Trombone Solo; Funders : Brett Baker