Sir John Franklin and the Search for the Northwest Passage. Composed by López. Concert Band. Concert Band Series. Audio recording available separately (item CL.WFR389). Oversized, spiral-bound score. Composed 2016. Duration 3 minutes, 50 seconds. Opus III Wind Orchestra Publications #012-4468-75. Published by Opus III Wind Orchestra Publications (CL.012-4468-75).
This Victor Lopez work evokes images of excitement, bravery and sorrow as Erebus and Terror: The Lost Ships retells the story of the Sir John Franklin expedition in search of the Northwest Passage. Beginning with anticipation as the explorers depart their homeland, the rousing melodic theme is written for clarinet, horn and alto saxophone. The excitement of the journey turns melancholic for a few moments, as the gravity of their journey sinks in, but their courage is again renewed as the trumpets tell the story. A haunting flute and oboe duet foreshadows the inevitable crash portrayed with strong chromatic dissonances, into the ice and the loss of both ships and their crews. The journey has ended for these men, but their story lives on and Sir John Franklin is remembered as a hero due to his valuable contributions to the development of Canada's north. Highly recommended!
