Master of ballet and orchestral music, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is revered for his dramatic and elegant style. The Maid of Orleans also shares this quality.
Beginning in the 15th century, in the midst of the Hundred Years' War between England and France, the story involves Joan of Arc's life (The Maid of Orleans). Falling love with a rival knight, the composer captures her dilemma and conflict in solid Russianesque orchestration.

This band version addresses three parts.
The introduction is intense, a rage of musical force. The next scene portrays the gate opening as Joan is led to be burned at the stake. "Chorus of Angels" is heard from backstage trumpet solo supported by female voices. The following "Hymn" is the one of the most compelling parts in the arrangement with flowing melody and voices intertwining and blending in. The Finale is an appropriate dramatic climax as expected from Tchaikovsky. Enjoy the grand Russian opera music world.

(Koh Shishikura)