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WINNER OF THE 2017-2018
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Ever since the earliest known serials from the 1940's, the idea of telling stories about major superheroes on the big screen has become both a financial and critical success in the film industry. These heroes have inspired generations of audiences everywhere, from its glory days on film in the early 1960's and 70's to the beginning of the popular "cinematic universes" bringing multiple heroes together in modern times. Their messages are diverse for several reasons, but also united with a common purpose; to protect the people by upholding universal values and truths. They will defend these values, no matter how great the cost may be. This suite for orchestra is a tribute to these heroes and the villains they fight, as well as a celebration of the timeless qualities that all of them possess. The five movements this suite contains includes certain musical traits and stylistic choices commonly found in their stories, each of them connected with several themes and motives while also having distinct personalities on their own.
The "March of the Villains" is heavily militaristic in construct, demonstrating the might of their power and the forces they command. As there are many villains in popular lore who are supremely intelligent (sometimes even beyond the heroes' capacity), a brief fugue demonstrates their ability to put together some of the greatest schemes they have ever conceived. Many of these heroes also have a romantic interest somewhere in their lives, but are unable to fulfill a true commitment to their loved ones because of various imminent dangers and/or disguises they must create to protect their true identity from the world. This "Love Theme" represents the tragic nature of these relationships, both yearning for something more and mourning what can never be. The hero will sometimes secretly venture into the villain's "Sinister Lair," where they are challenged by various traps and devices meant to ward trespassers away. This third movement is constructed like a film score in this regard, musically following the hero on their dangerous journey into the belly of the beast. This leads directly into "A Great Battle," with the hero engaging in combat with the villain's henchmen, machines, and sometimes even the villain themselves. All of the themes and motives previously established are thrown into the chaos. "The Heroes' Theme," briefly heard in earlier movements, finally comes into fruition after this battle, triumphant and soaring in nature as a grand tribute to the icons audiences have come to love and will continue to do for generations to come.
The "March of the Villains" is heavily militaristic in construct, demonstrating the might of their power and the forces they command. As there are many villains in popular lore who are supremely intelligent (sometimes even beyond the heroes' capacity), a brief fugue demonstrates their ability to put together some of the greatest schemes they have ever conceived. Many of these heroes also have a romantic interest somewhere in their lives, but are unable to fulfill a true commitment to their loved ones because of various imminent dangers and/or disguises they must create to protect their true identity from the world. This "Love Theme" represents the tragic nature of these relationships, both yearning for something more and mourning what can never be. The hero will sometimes secretly venture into the villain's "Sinister Lair," where they are challenged by various traps and devices meant to ward trespassers away. This third movement is constructed like a film score in this regard, musically following the hero on their dangerous journey into the belly of the beast. This leads directly into "A Great Battle," with the hero engaging in combat with the villain's henchmen, machines, and sometimes even the villain themselves. All of the themes and motives previously established are thrown into the chaos. "The Heroes' Theme," briefly heard in earlier movements, finally comes into fruition after this battle, triumphant and soaring in nature as a grand tribute to the icons audiences have come to love and will continue to do for generations to come.