The Call of Boromir
Daniel W. McCarthy
About this work:
One of the most significant literary influences in McCarthy’s life has been J.R.R. Tolkien’s epoch trilogy The Lord of the Rings. This composition depicts the fall of Boromir, Son of Denothor. Boromir, who would be King of the realm of Gondor, was renown as a fearless warrior. He was selected by the Council of Elrond to be a member of the Fellowship, a company of Hobbits, a dwarf, an Elf, and the Wizard Gandalf to accompany the ring bearer into Mordor in hope of destroying the one ring of power.
The Dark Lord of Mordor had enslaved thousands to work his will, and terrible armies were being gathered in the east to destroy all the free peoples of the west. The last hope of saving Middle Earth was to destroy the one ring of power that, once found, would give the Dark Lord unlimited power and enslave all people to his will. The ring, however, had a terrible power. Although it had the power to make its wearer invisible, it created a lust in one’s heart so intense as to create madness.
In time Boromir began to feel the lure of the ring. Convinced it was the only way to do battle with the Dark Lord, he overtook the ring bearer, Frodo of the Shire. Frodo was forced to use the ring and disappeared. Boromir, realizing what he had done, desperately began searching for Frodo. In the confusion, he was attacked by an ruthless band or Orcs. Boromir was known for a great horn that he carried in his belt. In times of great need, Boromir would blow his great horn which could be heard for many miles around. The sound of this horn would strike great fear in the hearts of the enemy and it had the power to draw those with good hearts to Boromir’s defense.
Members of the party (called the Fellowship) heard Boromir’s horn and came as quickly as they could but found him dying, pierced by many arrows laying at the bottom of a great tree. His parting words were, “I have failed. Go to Minas Tirith and save my people.”
Version: Horn and Marimba
Year composed: 1997
Duration: 00:08:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation:
Instrumentation notes: Available form: C. Alan Publications, P.O. Box 29323
Greensboro, NC 27429-9323, 336.272.3920
E-MAIL ADDRESS contact@c-alanpublications.com
PHONE NUMBER 336.272.3920
E-MAIL ADDRESS contact@c-alanpublications.com