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The movement takes off and is driven by a series of ascending notes suggesting upward movement culminating into the melody which is developed through energetic bursts of 16th notes depicting the vivacious spirit Earhart exuded that inspires people everywhere - then, now and beyond.
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As a child Earhart displayed an adventurous and independent nature for which she would later become legendary. In 1920, Earhart went on her first airplane ride which prompted her to take flying lessons, launching her legendary life.Description text goes here
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This movement suggests the sounds of the airplane engines propelling flight and the excitement and thrill of flying. The energetic movement calls upon all aspects of the ensemble working in concert.Description text goes here
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This movement covers Earhart's final flight, watched anxiously by the whole world. The music rises to a climax followed by the musical suggestion of the plane engines stalling out, but ends on a spiritual note of ascendancy.Item description
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This movement is a noble tribute to The Ninety-Nines - a group of women aviators who were pioneers in flying and the empowerment of women. The music is a triumphant processional, paying tribute to Earhart and others.
Amelia Earhart
Inspired by Amelia
An American story in five movements
I was in the public library in 2022 and happened to read a National Geographic article about Amelia Earhart. I fell in love with the story. It just hits you. You get inspired and I started composing. My engines started revving.
I previously had written a symphony based on birds and the sheer magic of defying gravity, how we are not bound by the earth. I also explored flying in a composition about the Wright Brothers first flight in 1902. For a human to take off is something extraordinary.
Reading the magazine article about Amelia Earhart reignited that fanciful dream of what it means to fly. I fly all the time in my dreams.
Dana Mengel, May 2024
Movement 3 -
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