Music Inspired by the Wheel of Time

by Anthony Cipolone
based on the novels by Robert Jordan

“The Wheel of Time” series, written by Robert Jordan and published
by Tor Books is © The Bandersnatch Group. The title of this work
and the included movements are used with permission from Robert Jordan.

The following piece was recorded on May 7, 2004 by the University of New Orleans Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Charles Taylor. It was then performed a second time on May 6, 2005. The recordings below are from the most recent performance, but the old recordings can be found here.

I started writing this piece in the Spring of 2003, after having finished the books of the same title. I scoured the internet, looking for instrumental works inspired by the Wheel of Time, but only came up with a few that weren't exactly what I had been looking for. It was a big project to undertake, especially for an undergraduate, but it was certainly something I was willing to try.

I hope you enjoy these and please feel free to contact me with any questions. I'll soon be placing the scores in PDF format up here, and parts will be available upon request.

I. The Aiel Waste (score)
The main theme you'll here in this movement, first played on the English Horn, was originally an Irish tune by Turlough O'Carolan called "Captain O'Kane". I applied a Middle Eastern maqam, or mode, to the tune, and it took on a truly unique sound. While not particularly keen with "copying" from another composer, it was all too fitting for the piece. Also introduced in this movement is the Dragon Theme, a simple four note pattern that you'll hear throughout the entire piece.

II. The Fall of the Stone of Tear (score)
I was doing some research on bugle calls and fanfares when I stumbled upon the story of the Hejnal Mariacki. This bugle theme, played on the hour in Krakow, Poland, comes from the 13th century. The Tartar were invading Krakow, and this tune was sounded as an alarm. The Hejnal is cut short when, the story goes, the sounder was hit in the neck with an arrow. It was such a simple melody, only three notes, but very haunting and melancholy. This piece introduces what doubles as both the "alarm" in Tear and the Horn of Valere. It's played on the French Horn using natural harmonics -- that is, no valves and no tuning. It's a difficult thing to do, and you'll hear some of the notes (purposefully) out of tune, but maintains that eerie sound of the Hejnal.

III. Tarmon Gai'don (score)
This was probably the most difficult movement to write, as the books have yet to be completed. I chose to end the piece questionably, with no definite answer as to "who won". In this movement, you'll hear just about every theme, as I suspect just about everyone will be there for the Final Battle.

Once again, I hope you enjoy these, and appreciate any feedback. I apologize for the quality of the recording and the performance -- nothing is perfect, and I was thankful as it was that Mr. Taylor and the Wind Ensemble had agreed to perform the piece. I'll be updating this page over the next few days, so check back for scores and other information!

Anthony Cipolone
(e-mail, remove the word "REMOVE" from address)