Mark Lortz

The Flame of Fortitude

In 1884, a locomotive tossed a spark that stated a fire that reduced the town of Milton, Pennsylvania to ashes. A majestic fanfare depicts the vibrant town with train whistles in the flutes, train bells in the chimes, whirling engines in the brass, and telegraphs in woodwinds and mallets. Growing dissonances depict the fierce firestorm that abruptly dissolves into a solemn oboe solo of the towns sadness, while paper bags and plastic water bottles represent the smoldering fire. The music then turns from sorrow to hope as small sections of the schools alma mater embed the message of hope and optimism before the rousing and triumphant coda.