In the Gathering Dark Kimberly Archer

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2004
Flute 1/2
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1, 2, 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone
Bb Trumpet 1, 2, 3
Horn in F 1/2
Trombone 1/2
Baritone
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba
Timpani
Mallets (vibraphone, chimes, xylophone)
Percussion 1 (snare drum, triangle, bass drum)
Percussion 2 (tam-tam, crash cymbals, anvil)
"In the Gathering Dark" is the first installment of an unofficial "Lord of the Rings" triptych. The title refers to a moment in the second film where, as two massive armies brace for a cataclysmic battle, a narrator reminds the audience that "in the gathering dark, the Ring's power continues to grow." This struck me as a particularly vivid image: the gradual descent of darkness and dread. The music is largely minimalist (a pulse-based style developed by John Adams, Philip Glass, Steve Reich, and others), with explosive moments.