Based on a famous World War I German fighter pilot, this work feeds off of the raw emotion of open-air cockpit combat. A haunting opening effectively uses voices to portray a great red triplane emerging from a misty cloudbank in preparation for battle. As the pace of music intensifies, the plane is ambushed from behind and roaring trombone glissandos help paint a picture of aviation chaos as the planes dive through the air. Absolutely thrilling!