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- Booker, Charles L. Jr.
Duration: 11 minutes
Description: The Rough Rider is based on the composer’s reactions to and reflections on the life of Theodore Roosevelt. Throughout his life Theodore Roosevelt always responded to an inner driving force – the call to glory.The Music embraces Roosevelt’s quest for glory signified by bugle calls throughout the piece. Even in the slow section that begins with the loss of his first wife, he is haunted by the “calls”, always there, always calling him to greater deeds. The short third section reflects the short war in Cuba, and the American victory achieved in the San Juan hills. The fourth section begins quickly (as did his political life after the war) sequencing from Governor to Vice President to finally, upon the assassination of McKinley, “The Presidency”. The piece in a mad dash to the end, capsules Roosevelt’s, fiery temperament, rapid speaking style, and his ever-consuming desire to live life to the fullest. There is a short four note motive sounded throughout the piece reminding Roosevelt, and all of us, regardless of deeds, life is short “so hurry, make your place in history!”