I: The Tyger

Never did I think a piece of music could have a heartbeat of its own, until I created this composition. I have always been a fan of epic cinematic music, and it has always been goals of mine to one day write such a work. When Herb Berendsen, conductor of the Oshkosh West High School Chorale, contacted me to write a piece about an animal, I knew that this was my opportunity to fulfill that dream.

Immediately I went on a hunt for the perfect text and came across the poem, The Tyger, written by William Blake. After reading this text, my mind went to the deepest and darkest pits of middle earth. Instantly, sounds of forging steel, chains, fire and percussion began to flood my mind as I conceived the thought of this animal being forged. After this, imagery of the dark, damp and dreary location that this animal was created entered my imagination. One exciting concept led to the next, and before I knew it, the tyger had come to life through my music.

Although I know this composition is not really a living and breathing entity, it is hard to believe that such an animal does exist. Where could a creature with such strength, elegance and poise come from? Who could conceive such a thought as the tyger? “Did he who made the lamb make thee?"

-Zachary J. Moore