Amun-Ra (from Shadows of the Pyramids)

This is the final section of a 14 minute work for 20 trumpets, piano and percussion. This piece was commissioned by Kevin Eisensmith of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania to add a work, substantial in length, to the repertoire of the trumpet ensemble. He requested that there be no doubling of parts and a minimum of antiphonal effects used. The resulting piece attempts to demonstrate the various colours available to the trumpet ensemble. Extensive use of mutes and 5 flugel horns helps to add variety to the timbre. The piece is based on the Egyptian story of Ra, the Sun God, one of the most important characters in their mythology.