DESCRIPTION:
This programmatic tone poem for Symphonic Band opens as Mount Pilatus slumbers at night, shrouded in darkness and mystery among the clouds high above Lucerne. As dawn breaks, a band of courageous adventurers climb Pilatus in search of dragons to slay. After an arduous journey filled with breathtaking views and terrestrial beauty, the adventurers finally stumble across a dragon lair. They awaken the mighty dragon who must now battle the intruders of his domain. All but one adventurer are mortally wounded leaving the pitiful human to beg for mercy and forgiveness from the dragon. Demonstrating great compassion, the dragon produces a magical stone, called draconite, from his own wounds in order to heal and save the intruders. In doing so, the dragon has also placed compassion and tolerance in the hearts and minds of man leading them to a happy and peaceful coexistence with the dragons of Pilatus.