Kyr, RobertDaniels, Brylee2024-08-072024-08-072024-08-07https://hdl.handle.net/1794/29800The Liberian Civil Wars, spanning from 1989 to 2003, represent some of the mostdevastating conflicts in recent African history, dismantling the socio-political fabric of Liberia and leaving a profound impact on the nation's collective psyche. This composition, "War of the Scorpion," written to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the end of the second war, employs various experimental techniques to capture the wars' essence. The piece is structured in three movements, each symbolizing different aspects of the conflict. The first movement, "Foundations," juxtaposes elements of Liberia's cultural heritage with the uneasy peace of its founding by freed American slaves, using a bassoon soloist playing only on their bocal to evoke a sense of underlying tension. The second movement, "The First War," depicts Taylor's Christmas Eve attack on Monrovia, integrating "O Holy Night," the sound of a death whistle, and the breaking of stained glass to symbolize the St. Peter's Lutheran Church massacre. The final movement encapsulates the despair of the second war, with ensemble members repeatedly vocalizing Taylor's campaign slogan, "He killed my ma, he killed my pa, but I will still vote for him," building from a whisper to a shout to reflect the psychological turmoil of the Liberian people. This piece aims to both memorialize the victims and educate audiences on the complex history of the Liberian Civil Wars, urging performers and listeners alike to approach the subject with respect and sensitivity, while recognizing the resilience and hope of the Liberian people.en-USAll Rights Reserved.Charles TaylorCivil WarLiberiaScorpionElectronic Thesis or Dissertation