FEATURE/Warner Bros. Publications Releases ``Inchon'': New Composition by Robert W. Smith Honors His Father and Other Korean Conflict Heroes.

To download high-resolution, print-ready JPEG images, click on the thumbnail image above.

WARNING: these images are

very large (800K+)

Click here for caption

News Editors/Lifestyle Editors/Feature Editors/Business Editors

FEATURE...Father's Day

NOTE TO MEDIA: A photo is available at URL:

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.052803/bb7

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 28, 2003

Renowned composer, arranger, and educator Robert W. Smith has created an impressive body of work during his distinguished career, but his latest composition, "Inchon," has a very special, personal meaning. Released by Warner Bros. Publications as concert band arrangement with CD, as well as an orchestral work, "Inchon" is a stirring musical interpretation of the Inchon-Seoul campaign, the daring 1950 amphibious landing that turned the tide of the Korean War in favor of the United Nations and helped preserve freedom throughout much of Asia and the entire world.

Smith wrote this impressive work for concert band to commemorate the heroism and sacrifices of those who fought on the Korean Peninsula, including his father, Staff Sergeant Benjamin F. Smith, US Army (retired). "Inchon" is dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Smith, a veteran of Korea and Vietnam, who was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in May of 2000.

"We are extremely honored to publish 'Inchon,'" said Fred S. Anton, CEO of Warner Bros. Publications. "Robert W. Smith's composition embodies so many moving and important themes, such as the price that we must sometimes pay for freedom, the quality of courage in the defense of a great cause, and the love and respect of a son for his father. This is a musical work that will stand the test of time."

Awe-inspiring in its scope and passion, "Inchon" transports us to this historic battle of a half century ago, using the percussion section to uniquely create the effect of the 1st Marine Division's famous helicopter landing.

Throughout the composition, Smith draws on different sections and instruments to give us a richly textured feeling of Inchon, a coastal port city made up of different islands. At the start and conclusion of his composition, he uses an ocean drum and solo flute to create a serene natural image of Inchon before and after the battle. Smith brilliantly captures the intensity of battle by having different instruments such as woodwind choirs, brass, and snare drums respond musically to one another in dramatic fashion.

Smith relies on the interplay of actions and reactions throughout his composition to create a sense of sharp contrasts. For example, the melody of a simple Korean prayer in the center of the composition is answered by a more powerful Western statement of the same melodic theme.

The Inchon landing at the center of Smith's composition was one of the most tactically brilliant maneuvers in American military history. At the time of the landing, North Korean forces had pushed the South Koreans and their American allies back to a small Pusan perimeter at the southern tip of the peninsula. (The North Koreans had invaded South Korea on Sunday morning June 25, 1950, with 90,000 soldiers and 150 tanks.)

While the North Koreans were preparing to defend against a counterattack from the Pusan perimeter, General Douglas MacArthur, commander of UN forces in Korea, decided to outflank them with an amphibious assault at Inchon. The move was unorthodox and daring, but thanks to the courage and valor of the American forces, it was an outstanding success.

On September 15, US Marines began the invasion of Inchon. They were soon joined by other UN forces, and within two weeks, the South Korean capital of Seoul was recaptured. With their supply lines cut, the North Koreans began a retreat, and by early October they were driven back past the 38th parallel that divided the two Koreas. Eventually the two sides would negotiate a truce to end the hostilities. Thanks to the decisive actions by troops at Inchon, South Korea would remain free.

"There have been many great musical works celebrating the defense of freedom," said Bob Dingley, vice president of education at Warner Bros. Publications. "Robert W. Smith's 'Inchon' continues this tradition."

The "Inchon" orchestra and concert band arrangements commemorate the recent 50th anniversary of this historic battle. In addition, the CD Inchon: The Music of Robert W. Smith - Volume 2 is also available from Warner Bros. Publications.

For more information and additional photos, or to schedule an interview with Robert W. Smith, call Fran Vincent at 800-327-7643, ext. 1749.

Note: A photo is available at URL: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/photo.cgi?pw.052803/bb7