To listen while following along with the score, click here: ANCIENT ANOMALIES, No. 7: Stonehenge, Op. 188 │ Brass Quintet │ Dr. Daniel Thrower - YouTube

This composition is one in a series of “Ancient Anomalies. ”The series idea has a dual meaning, as each work not only celebrates an ancient mystery, but each originated from sketches early in my composing career, and each was completed, in some cases, decades later. This work shares the same origins as “Moai of Easter Island, Op. 183”.From sketch to completion, this work spans nearly 23 years.

Stonehenge is a 5,000-year-old megalithic structure that has become an icon to England. It holds the imagination of millions across the world as the questions remain unanswered: Who created Stonehenge? For what purpose? How? The alignment of the summer and winter solstices make for grand festivities by thousands of locals and tourists every year.

The composition is divided into three major sections, beginning with symbolic “Pre-Dawn Anticipation” (measures 1-42); the festive “Solstice Revelry” (measures 43-209); and “Dusk” (measures 210-240), somberly marking the end of the festivities. The tempos of the three sections are appropriately slow-fast-slow. The 6/8 dance-like feel exudes a sentiment of the British Isles, the liveliest melody being in Locrian mode. This section indeed elicits a grand celebratory emotion, inspired by the videos that I watched of crowds partying at the site during the summer solstice.

The first trumpet is for E-flat trumpet. Duration: 5:25.