Fanfare for the Pillars of Creation begins with a slow, reverent trumpet solo accompanied by the bass instruments and snare drum. The entire trumpet section then joins in on the melody, with the original melody being further developed as it is presented by the trombones. The opening section ends with a climactic ♭VI-♭VII-I(sus2) progression, common in popular and video game music.
The middle section features the horns and euphonium playing a lyrical melody which is much brighter than the melody from the first section thanks to the use of the Lydian mode, a mode which could be described as a major scale with a raised fourth scale degree. The steady bass rhythm and a beautiful trombone countermelody help keep the energy moving forward until the music returns to the beginning section. The fanfare ends with a repeat of the first section, instead ending on a unison Bb rather than a suspension.
The piece was composed to reflect the majesty and natural awe of the Pillars of Creation, which were captured in a stunning photograph by the Hubble Space Telescope (to learn more, go here: https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/the-pillars-of-creation/).
Fanfare for the Pillars of Creation was composed for the 2022 HORYZIN Music Fanfare Contest.
