Mars Returns - 59,620 years
A wind quintet written for a small informal competition in 2003 when Mars was closer to the earth than at any time in the previous 59,620 years. It had its debut in London in July 2005.
While somewhat eclectic in my styles that I listen to, I tend to be influence by romantic composers as well as modern choral composers such as Eric Whitacre.
Story behind the song
59,620 Years–Mars Returns is the simple telling of the approaching of Mars, the god of war. Mars, the Planet, is dry and arid - much like many of the deserts found throughout central Asia. For that reason, I chose a wind quintet and often featured the use of the double reed instruments with a haunting melody to try to invoke the feeling of a desert or at least nomadic life. The nomadic life is also captured by the employment of 5/4 time.
The approach of Mars is signified by a change to a minor key and an increasing sense of urgency. The storm clouds of war gather and break over everything. But Mars is old. The youthful delights that once he took in the exploits of war now easily tire him and his passion quickly drains away. Fear and foreboding subside. Calmness returns. The idyllic joy again returns as Mars fades away into the distance.
The numbers 5, 9, 6, 2, and 0 play an important part in developing the intervals used in two sections of this piece.
Go to Kistner und Seigel's web page to buy the music:
http://tinyurl.com/benning-mars
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