Travel to the mountains of Romania in this work that depicts the site of Bran Castle, better known now as Dracula’s Castle. The dark harmonic character of the work tells the tale of a forgotten past while a haunting melody portrays the very Prince Vlad Dracula of Wallachia. Students will certainly be enticed by this enchanting work!
Bran Castle in Transylvania is perched atop a rocky peak deep in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It was once the home of Prince Vlad Dracula of Wallachia, who seized power in 1456 and ruled his domain by fear and terror. During Prince Vlad's reign, Bran Castle was the setting for thousands of executions and grisly acts. The infamous venue would eventually become better known as Dracula's Castle. The work begins briskly and tensely before developing into a haunting melodic line, reminiscent of Bran Castle's historic infamy. The harmonic character of the music is largely in the minor mode. Each section of the ensemble is briefly featured.