The Hour of Wolves
by Kimberly Archer
Concert Band - Sheet Music

Concert band (Flute 1/2, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone 1/2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1/2, Horn in F, Trombone 1/2, Baritone B.C., (Baritone T.C.), Tuba, Timpani, Percussion 1(Chimes, Bells), P) - grade 3

SKU: CN.10271

Composed by Kimberly Archer. Band Music. Score only. Duration 4:00. Published by C. Alan Publications (CN.10271).

Inspired by a line from 'The Return of the King' (from the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy) - "There may come a time - an hour of wolves and shattered shields - when the Age of Men comes crashing down, but it will not be this day!" The image of an "hour of wolves" seems particularly vivid and dark, well-suited for a work that exploits the harmonic minor scale, deep timbres, and occasionally violent rhythmic gestures.

The Hour of Wolves is the third installment of an unofficial "Lord of the Rings" triptych. The title is based on a line of dialogue from the third film, when the king of the decimated Western army gives a speech at the enemy's gates, hoping to rally his troops one last time: "There may come a time - an hour of wolves and shattered shields - when the Age of Men comes crashing down, but it will not be this day!" The image of an "hour of wolves" struck me as particularly vivid and dark, well-suited for a work that exploits the harmonic minor scale, deep timbres, and occasionally violent rhythmic gestures.