Marching Band Music

Battle of Dunnichen (Full Instrumentation)

Style: Ethnic / Scottish | Difficulty: Medium Difficult | Grade: 4+

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The Battle of Dunnichen also known as The Battle of Dun Nechtain, The Battle of Nechtanemere, Lin Garan, and The Battle of Nechtan—took place at 3:00pm on Saturday, 20 May, 685 CE, and was a pivotal engagement between the Northumbrians under their king Ecgfrith and the Picts under the leadership of their king Brude Mac Bile (also known as King Bridei III). The battle broke Northumbria’s power and secured the borders of the lands of the Picts, which later would become Scotland.



CREDITS

Composed by: Key Poulan, Shawn Glyde and Dan Bryan
Originally commissioned by: Highland Park H.S., Dallas, TX - Joel Weisberg, Director
Published By: Key Poulan Music
Duration: 7:10

MUSIC SAMPLES

Mvt. 1: Prelude to the Battle / The Picts Lure and Attack the Northumbrians opens with the call of bagpipes and drums on the morning of battle as the Picts prepare to meet the Northumbrians with deadly force. Feigning retreat, the Picts lure the Northumbrians further and further into Pictish territory, utilizing the local topography at Dunnichen Hill and the swampy Nectan’s Mire to trap and overpower the Northumbrians.
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Mvt. 2: Aftermath begins as a solemn reprise of the bagpipe reel first heard in the prelude, which grows to a triumphant anthem in praise of Pictish victory and freedom from Northumbrian domination.
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Mvt. 3: Birth of a Nation celebrates Pictish victory in the highlands and the birth of Scottish heritage and culture as the main theme moves throughout the ensemble before reaching its joyful conclusion.
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