My inspiration for the title of the work came about on reading the novel Pompeii by Robert Harris,
which describes the destruction of the Roman city.In the Autumn of 2004, I consequently became very
interested in this drama which took place on the banks of Vesuvius. The work which followed is simply
a series of descriptions which illustrate several scenes taken from the novel.
The
beginning depicts the crossing of Attilius; followed by the theme devoted to the agitation of the city
symbolised by a Neapolitan song. The toxic fumes released from the volcano announce the eruption
which follows almost immediately: after several seismic shakings, the top of Vesuvius is torn off in an
explosion. Within several minutes, Pompeii disappears beneath a thick lava. Human and animal life is
destroyed. Attilius and Corelia, however, survive the disaster having been able to seek refuge within
the town’s underground tunnel system.
Keywords
Contest / Competition
Drama
dramatic
Force of Nature
Historical drama
History
Italy
Naples
Program Music / Programme Music
Ruin
SWA (Swiss Windband Association) List of Contest Pieces