2018

Duration: 5:30

Grade 4

Composer’s Note:

The inspiration for the title Crown and Collar came after doing a little bit of research behind the symbolism of the white stag in Arthurian mythology. My freshman year of college, I found myself unwittingly in an Arthurian literature class. To this day it was one of the fascinating classes I have attended. In Arthurian literature, the pursuit of the white stag symbolizes mankind’s spiritual quest. Though this is all philosophical and interesting, what drew my interest was the image of a white hart wearing a crown around his neck like a collar. This image belongs to Richard II of England and symbolizes the burden of greatness. This piece was written to represent the duality of greatness, or man’s quest to find it, and the cage that comes along with it. 

This piece was commissioned by Chris Miertschin for the Hutchinson Community College Wind Symphony and was Premiered May 4, 2018.