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Analysis of Competition Piece No. 1 (#100)
This piece is divided into two sub-movements, An Epic Battle (#100A) and
The Aftermath (#100B). The setting for the piece is on the roof of a deserted structure, in some remote location as the sun is setting. The scene depicted is completely original.
An Epic Battle (#100A)
As the piece opens up we see the protagonist, shoulder length hair blowing gently in the breeze. As he glides slowly forward we see his face, hiding behind his wind-blown hair, with a stern look of determined concentration. This sternness, however, seems to be subtly broken by a softness in his eyes, almost one of despair.
At measure five we see him slowly draw his sword from it’s hidden sheath underneath his dark leather cloak, and the metal glistens in the setting sunlight. The camera slowly pans in towards the blade as the protagonist raises it and takes a slight fighting stance, continuing his gentle forward movement. As measure 9 begins we see a reflection in the metal. It is a vague image of a man, one with hair twice as long as the protagonist. He is leaning with both hands ever so slightly on his own sword, which he is holding in front of him. His clothes resemble those of the protagonist, only obviously much longer worn and heavier used. His face is concealed by his flowing hair, but it is hard not to get the impression from him that he is a man of much experience and sorrows, undoubtedly many more than the man who is now approaching him, sword drawn. At first, he is unmoving.
At measure 13 the camera has gotten so close to the sword that the reflection becomes the whole screen. It is now that the man in the reflection, the antagonist, raises his head to look at his approaching adversary. In his eyes, you can tell that he knows this man. He smirks, ever so slightly, giving the impression that he is being approached by a long lost friend. As measure 19 ends he picks his sword up and brings it to his shoulder, holding it casually. There is a poignant moment where time seems to stand still. Noticed in the corner of the antagonist’s eye, only visible because of the glint of light reflected from it, is a solitary tear.
At measure 21 everything starts moving fast. As if waking up from a dream the protagonist’s sword swings away from the camera, causing the image of the antagonist to vanish. Replacing it is the anguished face of our hero, with the same soft yet stern face of determination rallying into an inaudible battle cry as he rushes forward. The camera swings into the air and shows both characters running towards each other. With stunning agility and precision they begin to do battle.
At measure 37 the mood changes from focusing on external events to internal. Time slows down as memories start to flash across the screen, sliding in and out of the battle scene. The memories show the two characters in different scenes throughout their lives. It seems as though they were at once close companions. In fact, the mood seems to suggest that they are best friends pitted against each other because of some dark event in the past.
Soon, it is obvious that the protagonist has the upper hand. At measure 53, With time still slowed down, he slowly brings his sword down for the death stroke. For a few seconds, time stands still as the camera pans around to the sides of the characters, showing clearly each of their faces. Directly after the first sub-movement ends, in the few seconds between sub-movements, time suddenly returns to normal and the sword plunges into the antagonist’s chest.
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