Soldier On!

Soldier On! begins with a gradual buildup of texture, and makes use of several repeated fragments, some of which later develop into themes in their own right. The main (A) theme, first heard in the horns, is backed by bold harmonies from the lower brass and woodwind. Each phrase of the theme centres around the tonic, making it strong and memorable. In a second repeat of the theme, the high woodwinds take the melody, and interest is added through temporary harmonic modulations. The section ends with a hint back to a semiquaver motif, first heard in the introduction.

The B section is in ternary form, and starts with a simple theme that gets transferred across various instruments, and with alternating articulation. The contrasting middle passage moves away from the largely staccato accompaniment style, to a more sustained feel, suggesting dignity and honour. The trumpets play a variation on the initial (A) theme, and the section concludes with a short percussion solo.

The general form of the piece is then repeated, but with various unique changes to the rhythms, harmonies and orchestrations. The music reaches it’s peak with a key change, and two further repeats of the main theme, which have great texture and richness. In the final bars, many of the rhythmic and melodic ideas are combined and elaborated, resulting in a triumphant return to the initial key.

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