Apollo's Chariot

You'll want to grab the reins of the nearest chariot when you experience the action of this wonderfully descriptive work. Thundering percussion provides the fuel throughout, even though the parts are well within the playing abilities of this level. Well written and effectively scored, Apollo’s Chariot will have younger groups sounding much more developed and mature.

Program Notes

Apollo, the Greek god of prophesy, music, and healing, served as the inspiration for Apollo's Chariot. One of his daily tasks was to harness his chariot with four horses and drive the sun across the sky. Apollo was also a great warrior, bringing down the mighty Achilles with one of his arrows. For me, these two images set the stage for a dramatic work, with bold (and sometimes dissonant) harmonies and driving rhythms throughout. As the god of music, Apollo was known for playing the lyre and the lute. This more sensitive side of Apollo is represented in the lyricism of the peaceful ballad section at rehearsal m. 55. The peace is overcome by war at rehearsal m. 80, which drives to the exciting conclusion.

Grade Level: 2
Copyright: 2007
Number of Players: Standard
Duration: 3:30

Listen to Recordings

Sample PDF

Watch Video

Instrumentation

Flute 1/2
Oboe (opt.)
Bb Clarinet in 1/2
Bb Bass Clarinet
Bassoon (opt.)
Eb Alto Saxophone 1/2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1/2
F Horn 1/2
Trombone
Baritone B.C.
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 [2 players] (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Triangle)
Percussion 2 [2 players] (Suspended Cymbal, Tam-Tam, Tambourine, Woodblock)
Opt. Mallet Percussion (Bells, Xylophone)