Corsair

Corsair evokes the image of a Pirate out at Sea. The scene starts with the breathtaking view of a majestic ship, followed by the excitement of the start of an adventure. The ship picks up speed, until it encounters an enemy ship and enters into a fast paced battle. Trumpets soar above the band as the Corsair is victorious. Next the music shifts to the tranquility of a calm ocean at night, lit only by the moon. The ocean is never truly still, and similarly the music rises and falls in an ever changing cycle. The waves become stronger as dawn breaks, as the ship rises and falls with them as they grow into a majestic sunrise. As the new day begins, the excitement of the first returns with new layers joining the fray. The piece ends as the ship sails off the distance, off to another adventure. 

This piece is aimed to be around a Grade 3, with more difficulty in the Trumpet 1 and Mallet Percussion parts. The Horn part has a high range, but stays unison throughout. The percussion is more mallet heavy - both mallet parts are legitimate parts. Mallet Percussion 1 includes an optional Xylophone solo that is much more difficult than the rest of the piece, but is also just really cool.