First Version - January 10, 2025
Latest Version - February 25, 2025
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets in B-flat
2 Bassoons
4 Horns in F
2 Trumpets in C (Straight Mutes)
3 Trombones
Tuba
Timpani
Triangle
Cymbals
Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Marimba
Piano
Harp
Violins I (Mutes)
Violins II
Violas
Violoncellos
Double Basses
Artists - John MacLachlan (composer)
Movements - N/A
Duration - 5'40"
Difficulty - Medium
Composition Opportunity - Vancouver Academy of Music Young Composers' Competition 2025 (second place overall)
The battle begins! After the snare drum initially states its rhythmic motif, muted trumpets bring in the main theme, hinting at a duel between the evil inventor Ezra and the protagonists, Dori and Lidi. This overture is based on an opera that I am writing, in which a mad scientist from the future sends two of his peers, the aforementioned Dori and Lidi, back in time to rediscover music, which is absent from the future. The theme that occurs immediately after the opening depicts Ezra, the mad scientist. Little does Dori know that Ezra is planning to trap her in the past. Ezra steals Lidi away, but Dori writes a piece of music to change the future, stopping Ezra’s maniacal plans. Two flutes first state Dori’s whimsical theme, immediately after Ezra’s theme. The only location that Dori and Lidi visit that is depicted musically in this overture is a monastery, which can be heard after a pause in the music. After a restatement of the battle theme, the love theme enters, then a solo trombone playing Ezra’s theme, then the theme depicting Lidi’s sickness. The overture ends with the time machine’s theme and a final return to the battle theme.
Group - Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra
Festival/Concert - Vancouver Academy of Music Young Composers' Readings
Venue - Mary Olson Hall, Vancouver Academy of Music, 1270 Chestnut St., Vancouver, B.C.
Date - April 5, 2025