Mythical Creatures is a suite for brass band written by Magnus Brandseth for the Krohnengen Brass Band and their Siddis Brass 2023 performance. The suite consists of musical portraits of mythical creatures that have captured our imagination and curiosity for centuries. The four movements each depicts a mythical character, with distinct musical motifs. At the same time, the entire work is musically interwoven, and the observant listener will recognize recurring phrases and tonalities throughout the suite.
The Unicorn – Purity and Grace
In the second movement, we encounter the graceful and pure “Unicorn”. The unicorn is a legendary mythical creature often depicted as a horse with a single, spiralled horn protruding from its forehead. In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was commonly described as an extremely wild woodland creature, a symbol of purity and grace, which could be captured only by a virgin. In many cultures throughout history, the unicorn has been depicted as a symbol of virtue, innocence, and spiritual enlightenment. With graceful melodies and celestial textures, the scenery in this movement is set for a realm of enchantment and wonder. It celebrates the unicorn’s elegance and mythical presence, evoking a sense of awe and serenity.
