Born in the 3rd Century, Saint George is a prominent figure in Christian history, recognized as a martyr and a saint. He is known for his unwavering faith and his courage in the face of persecution. As legend has it, he single-handedly slayed a dragon with his lance named Ascalon. This enduring story has often been interpreted as a metaphor for the Christian struggle against evil, both within oneself and in the world at large. During the Crusades, Saint George became a symbol of Christian valor and bravery, and his image was often used as a standard in battle. To this day, Saint George remains an important figure in Christianity, inspiring believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to resist the temptations of the world.

I’ve always been fascinated with the power of storytelling. Whether fact, fiction, or somewhere in between, stories can be an extremely effective way to inspire people to focus their efforts on a common goal. The life of Saint George is one of the most enduring legends of the western world and has inspired millions. In this piece, I wanted to find a way to explore ways in which this concept can be represented musically. Melodic phrases in the beginning and end of the piece are meant to mimic natural speaking patterns. This reflects the ways in which stories are passed from person to person, evolving from simple historical facts to ancient legends over time. The middle section of the piece makes extensive use of aleatory, a technique that instructs the players to ignore the others and play independently. Over time, this cacophony gives way to unity as players gradually begin to band together, proving that the power of the ensemble is greater than the sum of its parts. This is meant to reflect the many ways in which stories can focus the zeal of many on a common goal, as the legend of Saint George has done for over 1,600 years.