Page 19 - Muscatine Symphony Orchestra - MasterWorks II: The Grandest of Them All

Muscatine Symphony Orchestra 2019-2020

Second MasterWorks Concert—November 9, 2019

The Grandest of Them All

Suite from Dances with Wolves…………..……………………………...Barry/Rosenhaus
The blockbuster movie Dances with Wolves remains one of the most expansive “Old West”
stories developed for the big screen. Having adapted the novel by Michael Blake,
Hollywood icon Kevin Costner starred, produced, and directed this film about Union Army
Lieutenant John Dunbar. The movie won numerous Golden Globe and Academy Awards
including “Best Music.”

For those who do not know the story of Dances with Wolves, here is a brief synopsis:

In 1863, First Lieutenant John J. Dunbar is wounded in the battle at St. David's Field in
Tennessee. Choosing death in battle over amputation of his leg, he takes a horse and rides
up to and along the Confederate lines. Despite numerous pot shots, the Confederates fail to
hit him, and while they are distracted, the Union Army successfully attacks the line. Dunbar
survives, receives a citation for bravery and proper medical care. He recovers fully and is
awarded Cisco, the horse who carried him during his suicide attempt, and his choice of
posting. Dunbar requests a transfer to the western frontier, so he can see it before it
disappears.

Dunbar is transferred to Fort Hays, a large fort presided over by Major Fambrough, an
unhinged officer who despises Dunbar's enthusiasm. He agrees to post him to the furthest
outpost they have, Fort Sedgwick, and kills himself shortly afterwards. Dunbar travels with
Timmons, a mule wagon provisioner. They arrive to find the fort deserted. Despite the
threat of nearby native tribes, Dunbar elects to stay and man the post himself.

He begins rebuilding and restocking the fort and prefers the solitude, recording many of his
observations in his diary. Timmons is killed by Pawnee people on the journey back to Ft.
Hays. His death, together with that of the major who had sent them there, prevents other
soldiers from knowing of Dunbar's assignment, and no other soldiers arrive to reinforce the
post.

Dunbar initially encounters his Sioux neighbors when attempts are made to steal his horse
and intimidate him. Deciding that being a target is a poor prospect, he decides to seek out
the Sioux camp and attempt dialogue. On his way, he comes across Stands With A Fist, the