← Back to Catalog

Terra Incognita

for Concert Band (Grade 3)

Program Note
Terra Incognita, from the Latin for “unknown land”, was a term used by explorers and mapmakers for regions that have not yet been discovered or properly mapped. The term has appeared on numerous maps throughout history, and has always evoked the often-romanticized feeling of anticipation and daring attributed to the explorers of the past, and their adventurous spirit into the great unknown. This piece strives to recreate that spirit.

It begins mysteriously, hesitant, and even foreboding, as the angst of exploring uncharted lands dominates. Over time, this gives way to a vast and soaring melody, depicting the ship’s maiden voyage into the open seas, overflowing with grand optimism. Suddenly, as the melody subsides, the ship interrupted by a dangerous and chaotic tempest, portrayed by powerful battery of percussion, interspersed with desperate yells from the ensemble. Eventually, the storm passes and is gradually overtaken again by the grandiose “sea” theme, now with even more determination as the view of a new, undiscovered land faintly appears in the distance. The piece ends with an optimistic, and somewhat magical, resolution to the journey.

00.-terra_band-8.24.20-Full-Score-1