Written for the Idaho State University Concert Band, Zama is a four movement work based on the historical Putin Wars between Rome and Carthage. The defeat of Hanibal and his Carthanagian empire took place at the site of Zama. Scipio, a brilliant Roman military leader managed to defeat the Carthanagians in their own territory. The first movement "War March" depicts the Roman battle ships being loaded with soldiers, supplies, and battle equipment. The soldiers are sent off to war after their territory has been pillaged and ravaged by Hanibal's armies. The second movement "Across the Ocean" takes the listener back and forth between a soldier's thoughts of home and his journey across the Mediteranean ocean. Written as a rocking lullaby, the soldier reflects on what he has left and the rolling sea and boat that he is presently occupying. The climax takes the listener to the solder's view of the massive oars being plunged into the sea as the boat makes it's way to the battle. The third movement "The Battle"portrays the battle scene at Zama. The Horns begin the battle call as the battle begins, and the skill of the warriors is depicted as each move is skillfully executed amongst the flurry of activity. The final movement "Victory" is an excited piece of triumph over Carthage. This Celebratory movement captures the excitment of victory and the reign of the Roman Empire thereafter. Had Rome lost to Carthage, history would have been very different.
Zama was performed and recorded during the 2002-03 academic year. The second and third movements are available for download.
