24 Preludes for Piano No. 24 in d - "Manticore's Rising" - Craig Williams

In high school, I began writing a set of 24 preludes in each of the major and minor keys. The style in which I was performing and improvising the most was influenced by Keith Emerson and some other fine keyboardists - Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, Rick Wakeman, and Herbie Hancock, just to name a few. So I began writing these preludes - ostensibly for a less intensive classical music learning and listening experience - but still intended for performance. I never finished the set in high school, and it remained unfinished for many years. I finally reapplied myself to finishing the collection during the 2020 COVID pandemic quarantine. This is the twenty-fourth prelude of the collection in d minor - "Manticore's Rising." The Manticore is a creature of Persian mythology, a fierce beast with a lion's head and body with scorpion tale. This historical archetype became closely associated with the works and publications of Keith Emerson, who depicted the Manticore as the enemy which brings down Tarkus, the Armed-adillo eponymous protagonist of Emerson Lake and Palmer's second album, one of the most popular progressive rock collections of any time. "Manticore's Rising" is a tribute to Keith Emerson, reflecting on the tragedy of his death while celebrating his gifts through music and his family legacy. The entire 24 prelude collection pays homage to his unique approach to the piano (and other keyboards), transcending the genres of rock music and jazz in creating a realm of musical expression that joins the timeless pantheon of many of the great composers who influenced and inspired him.
#piano
#originalcomposition
#prelude
#fmajor