Music Analysis: The Witch And The Saint

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The ‘Witch and the Saint’ was originally composed for orchestra by Steven Reineke. It was later on arranged for concert bands by the American arranger Matt Conaway. I chose the ‘Witch and the Saint’ because it assembles many interesting and different factors that the music we hear nowadays doesn't have. For example at the very beginning there is a very special element that we don’t usually hear which is the church bells. This piece is filled with different expressions and dynamics, for instance in the first few phrases the feel of these measures are funereal and sad, whereas in the end of the piece we hear the brass section creating feelings of anger and rage. Additionally,

For example, we hear church bells in the beginning demonstrating the feel of tolling the death knell which indicates that some one died,while the timphony demonstrates anger towards the end and then there is a piccolo/ flute solo at measure 78, and the brass section demonstrating rage and anger towards the end of the piece. Adding on that, there is a unique oboe part too. This piece also gathers a wide variety of dynamics and expressions making it interesting to play. For example, in the first few measures it starts slowly and softly which gives a sad, funereal feel, then when the alto saxophones, tenor saxophones, and clarinets join,they begin piano then transition to mezzo forte and then returns to piano again. This process gives a feeling of how the sister feels guilty and angry and upset all at the same time for not being able to support her sister before she died. The composer also used a minor key, to give an atmosphere where the mood is sort of bitter, and desperate. It was really fun to try a different key and try the new notes and sounds, and explore the expression that a single note can change how the whole phrase sounds like. It was further interesting to play this piece because of experiencing new time signatures and key signatures. I really enjoyed playing and experiencing this piece and I am really pleased that this peice guided me to a passion for the