Baron’s Journey

Baron Ferdinand Freiherr von Richthofen (5 May 1833 – 6 October 1905), better known in English as Baron von Richthofen, was a German traveler, geographer, and scientist. He is noted for coining the terms “Seidenstraße” and “Seidenstraßen” = “Silk Road(s)” or “Silk Route(s)” in 1877. He also standardized the practices of chorography and chorology. He was an uncle of the World War I flying ace Manfred von Richthofen, best known as the “Red Baron”.

This piece was named “Baron’s Journey” in order to provide history content, to persuade the audience of a different culture from the point of view of Baron von Richthofen. This piece provides 4 movements.

The first movement, Adagio And Allegro, is an introduction to the story, used a folksong played by the flute. It provides a slow rhythm in order to represent the curiosity and excitement. Followed by drums along with woodwind instruments for more movement to present Asian people.

The second movement, Allegro Con Moto. Deep sounding, by using wood percussion in three beats and hemiola, in which to present a connection between two people that are coming from different cultures and just met each other. However, there is still a lag in understanding. So, this part is using Polytonality for more joy and leading audience emotion to the next movement.

The third movement, Andante Cantabile, using a folksong played by bassoon and wood percussion to tell the story to the elders. This movement informs about cultural context and Asian spirit.

The fourth movement, Allegro and Adagio Grandioso, opens with furious trumpets and trombones along with woodwinds. This movement shows the power and harmony provided by slow tempo and strength. It ends in a fast tempo played by percussion and woodwinds.