We have often heard the expression "like a bat out of hell." Bats like cool and damp; hell is hot and dry. We present here a tone poem telling the story of a bat finding itself in hell and trying to get out. Opening with an ominous, spooky depiction of hell, we are then introduced to our hapless hero's theme-heard first, timidly, in the English Horn, and later by other instruments as his fear subsides a bit-only to have the reality of hell hit him again. He has a 'dance with the devil' after which he sees a possibility of escape, but as he tries to make his way out, he has some confusion. At last, he 'sees the light'-the way out! With an expansive, exuberant and heroic theme, he makes his way out-but only by the "skin of his teeth" before the gates of hell slam shut behind him. A challenging work for full orchestra with expanded percussion. Approximately 6:40 performance time.

• Because only 1 of each part is included in the download, you may make as many copies of the parts (not the score!) as you need for your ensemble.*