Commissioned by the Korean Navy Symphonic Band under the direction of Lt. Commander Joon Hyung Park, Rising Dragons pays tribute to the legacy of Yi Sun Shin and his impact on naval operations throughout the world. Beginning with a commanding fanfare, the authoritative statement gives way to the lone flute representing the solitude and reflection that any great leader must endure. The mechanized sounds of the turtle ships are brought to musical life through melody that rises and falls like the sea. The sea battle is depicted with opposing forces of percussion giving way to a final victorious fanfare. A line from a poem written by Yi Sun Shin inspires the title: "I call to the sea, and the dragons are moved." (9:17)

Performed by the American Symphonic Winds,
Robert W. Smith, Conductor