7 minutes
Flute 1-2, flute 3 (doubles piccolo), oboe 1-3, bassoon 1-2, e-flat clarinet, b-flat clarinet 1-3, bass clarinet, alto saxophone 1-2, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, trumpet 1-3 (1 player doubles piccolo trumpet), horn 1-4, trombone 1-3, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, string bass, timpani, percussion 1-4
July 18, 2024, performance by The United States Navy Band at the 2024 WASBE Conference in Seoul, South Korea
Commissioned by The United States Navy Band
Please note: Scores and parts are purchased and yours to keep.
Protector of the East Sea is dedicated to the extraordinary naval history of Korea. The title refers less to a single figure than to a role occupied by many individuals over the centuries. A point of entry for Japanese, European, and Russian fleets beginning in the Joseon Dynasty, the East Sea was a site of conflicts during the 625 War (Korean War) and remains a contested body. Its waters lead to the triumphal battlespaces of General Yi Jongmu and Admiral Yi Sun-sin and are presently patrolled by personnel of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy. Protector of the East Sea takes the form of a fanfare that is shaped by traditional Korean music. The drum patterns are modeled on Salmu nori percussion works and the melodies were inspired by field recordings of ritual farming music and folk songs.
