SKU: A0.955621

Main Titles of America was composed during shelter-in-place in July 2020. The piece was premiered in Winter of 2020 and was selected as a finalist in the 2021 National Young Composers Challenge. The composition was largely inspired by film music. In a film score, there is often a piece called Main Titles that plays during the opening scenes of the film. Typically, this piece encaptures all the major musical motifs present in the score of the movie. As the name suggests, Main Titles of America portrays the major themes of America in musical form. The three themes the piece highlights are opportunity, freedom, and love.

The main musical motif appears early in the piece and is supported with eight notes and triplets from the harp and violas. The overall feel is adventurous and hopeful with energy building. The main motif is prominent throughout the piece, and almost every instrument plays the motif at some point. Each instrument represents a unique person who has the opportunity to flourish in America. The second motif represents freedom, and it is primarily played by the woodwinds. In particular, the flutes with their light, feathery sound help to express this idea. This motif is more playful and adds a touch of cheerfulness and lightness to the piece. It reflects the happiness of being free. The main motif and the second motif are intertwined just like opportunity and freedom. The third motif represents love and is prominent in the second half of the piece. The same eighth notes and triplets provide seamless energy and flow. While still maintaining a dream-like feel, this motif is meant to sound more grandiose and emotional. The sweeping themes and romantic harmonies are intended to portray the feeling of an ideal relationship. The piece ends with a triumphant brass chorale (the same motif from the beginning) followed by a tutti chord. It’s the musical representation of look how far we’ve come! The piece highlights the infamous American Dream - that anyone in America has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, find love, and create their own destiny.