This raptor music was my litmus test for the musicians in the Seattle orchestra. I wrote parts for the violas and violins that were already difficult to play in "air violin" pantomime. I knew that if the musicians could nail this music, the entire score would be in good hands. It was a Monday morning, 9:00 am. I had the sheet music passed out and we started with this piece. I assumed they would need a bunch of rehearsal time. These guys knocked it out in two takes.
When scoring action, the composer's job is to paint the energy of the scene musically. Utilizing symbolism and imagery takes the score to the next level. For the player's battle with the giant scorpion I wrote a tension and snap-release harmonic progression reset by stingers in the high strings. The percussion track moves the score along on an eight-legged pattern for more symbolism, with an occasional crack of the claws thrown in for good measure on the brass.
There are several species of giant bats with which you must contend on Skull Island. They swoop down in unremitting waves to wound you, take your life or even carry you away. This track underscores a level in which you must rescue one of your companions from a particularly precarious nest of giant bats in which he is being held captive. Good luck!
