Robert Sheldon

A fast-paced tour-de-force for developing bands, “Spontaneous Combustion” explodes out of the starting blocks and keeps moving relentlessly to the last note. Presented in a minor key with shifting tonalities and tuneful melodies, this musical juggernaut eventually yields to a major key, which only amplifies its inherent energy. Mixed meters and bombastic percussion help to drive the piece to the very end.

A red covered bridge spans the Big Bureau Creek just north of Princeton, Illinois. This local attraction has served as the inspiration for this lyrical composition. The serene setting brings to mind the many people who have crossed that bridge in simpler times, and the stories of their lives. This piece hopes to capture those moments of reflection, joy, children playing, and powerful moments of resolve. (5:00)

The unification of the Viking tribes is of great significance to the people living in the southwest region of Norway. The International School of Stavanger lies only one kilometer from a small fjord called Hafrsfjord where a monument, “Swords in Stone,” was constructed consisting of three large bronze swords stuck in an outcropping on the shore. The monument commemorates a battle which unified the Viking tribes of Norway under one king, Harald Hårfagre, or Harald the Fairhaired. According to legend, in 872 Harald invited the other tribal leaders to a meeting, then had his boats cut off their retreat and they battled until the other leaders submitted to Harald’s rule. Harald then became the first king of Norway. The Swords of Stavanger seeks to provide a musical backdrop to this legend of Viking heroism and conquest.