Battle Charger – Full Score

Description

Like a charging bull, “Battle Charger” roars onto the page with a quick tempo and fun, driving rhythms. Composer Dión Morales brings us an exciting new work for the developing string player!

Program Notes

This piece was part of Dión’s “Free Commission Project.” The goal of this project was to provide school orchestra programs with a composition that meets the needs of each program, as well as the opportunity to work with a professional composer. With input from each program’s director, Dión created custom pieces to fit into each orchestra’s curriculum. “Battle Charger” was written for the Iowa City School District orchestra program located in its namesake, under the direction of Mrs. Hannah Yang and Mark Awad. When discussing this commission, the teachers wanted a piece that focused on 8th note patterns and extended the range past the one-octave D major scale, while providing an energetic experience for their students.

The term “battle charger” has been used to refer to different types of vehicles or steeds that are ridden into battle in various video games and books. This piece reimagines the term to refer to a warrior horse. Bred for its intelligence, speed, and strength, these warrior steeds are a loyal companion. The driving 8th notes in the piece are meant to represent a heroic full stride into battle!