The Hero's Call

My favorite compositions come from being completely enamored with a muse: an inspiration so powerful that I cannot resist the urge to craft music. Sometimes, it’s an experience, other times it’s a person, and in this case, it’s both. For the past year and a half, I have gotten to participate in a wonderful story-driven experience - Dungeons and Dragons. Playing D&D is a lot like telling a story around a campfire, except the story is told by everyone there. One person has the responsibility of creating the setting while the others write characters that interact with that world.

After we started to play regularly, I became enamored with these fantastical characters my friends created, and I began reflect on them through a series of compositions. The Hero’s Call recounts the tale of a mighty warrior, Faron Blackthorne, who hopes to prove his bravery through all the lands. His adventure, somehow, takes on a even higher calling as his quest is infused with divine power.

The piece opens with a solo horn - a somber call from a world desperately needing a hero. The whole might of the orchestra enters as an ancient deity also searches for one to take an oath to defend creation. Then! The orchestra springs into action as Faron answers heroism’s call and charges into the adventure ahead. The music reflects the battles and dangers ahead as his mettle is sorely tested. On his journey, he meets a kindred spirit and a powerful mage, Willow, who he adores. Maybe there is more to life than the battlefield? Their fates and themes intertwine but alas, Faron is drawn back into war. He must prove his courage and might to the world, his friends, his love, and to himself.