Call of the Wild Brian Balmages

FJH Concert Band

Based on the novel by American author Jack London, this powerful work depicts a dog's struggle as he progressively moves from a domesticated animal to a creature of the wild. All sections of the piece are titled after chapters in the novel. The opening powerful fanfare over dissonant woodwind trills moves into a fast-paced section as Buck has his brutal introduction into primitive law. The music becomes angrier as dramatic battles occur along with long journeys without adequate food and water. Eventually, the music becomes heroic and resolute before the opening fanfare returns once more (The Sounding of the Call) and Buck finally completes his transformation, returning to the wild.