So one of the songs that I did in high school was Artemis Rising. This song I played during my sophomore year in LOYO. It was the LaSill Optimist Youth Orchestra in Lawton. We met every Monday night, and we played this song in the spring semester. I love Greek Mythology, and anything that I can learn about any culture. One of the reasons that I loved this song because of the power in the viola sections a lot. I also love that it brings a good finale in the end of the song.
A little bit about the goddess Artemis.
Artemis, in Greek religion, the goddess of wild animals, the hunt, and vegetation and of chastity and childbirth; she was identified by the Romans with Diana. Artemis was the daughter of Zeus and Leto and the twin sister of Apollo. Among the rural populace, Artemis was the favourite goddess. Her character and function varied greatly from place to place, but, apparently, behind all forms lay the goddess of wild nature, who danced, usually accompanied by nymphs, in mountains, forests, and marshes. Artemis embodied the sportsman’s ideal, so besides killing game she also protected it, especially the young; this was the Homeric significance of the title Mistress of Animals.
Please listen to Artemis Rising while reading About the Music.
About the Music:
This powerful work based on the greek goddess uses syncopation and accents to build tension and captivate the audience. The main moods in the work are marked “Allegro con Fuoco” and “giocoso” as the music moves from a serious minor mode sound to a major key ending.