Nebulae: Gravitational Collapse and Star Formation
Performed by the Temple Composers Orchestra
Adam Vidiksis, conducting
This work seeks to depict the protracted genesis of stars. The
drama of this profound celestial process is portrayed through a
varying motive which coalesces and transforms throughout the work.
The final moments of the piece reflect upon the momentous impact
of this event in relation to the development of all living things.
Commissioned by the "International Composers and Interactive Artists"
Performed by the "Black Sea Philharmonic"
(Oleg Danovski National Theater of Opera and Ballet), in Constanta,
Romania
Adam Vidiksis, conducting
Divine Intervention seeks to reconcile the troubles facing humankind
through our own ignorance and hatred with the awesome achievements
of our intellect and compassion. The works begins with the brooding
forces that darken our minds. These powers then begin to fuel the
engines of war. Amidst the chaos, reason finally intervenes in the
form of a hymn-like prayer.
guitar - Pedro da Silva piano - Lucia Caruso percussion - Adam Vidiksis
Arp 87 is a stunning pair of interacting galaxies. Stars, gas,
and dust flow from the large spiral galaxy, NGC 3808, forming an
enveloping arm around its companion. The shapes of both galaxies
have been distorted by their gravitational interaction. Arp 87 is
located in the constellation of Leo, the Lion, approximately 300
million light-years away from Earth. Arp 87 appears in Arp's Atlas
of Peculiar Galaxies. As also seen in similar interacting galaxies,
the corkscrew shape of the tidal material suggests that some stars
and gas drawn from the larger galaxy have been caught in the gravitational
pull of the smaller one. (Credit: NASA, ESA, and The Hubble Heritage
Team)
This piece for piano, guitar and percussion depicts this fantastic
celestial event through both composed and improvisatory structures.
This duet for alto and tenor sax pits the two instruments against
each other in battle. Like two prowling predators, they circle each
other looking to gain the upper hand, always searching for the opportunity
to strike. The dissonant nature of the piece helps to portray the
angst and danger implied in this work.
Memories are elusive and unreasonable things. As we grasp for one,
it typically spawns another. Other times, the very one we wish to
recall is the most difficult to remember. This piece for mixed quintet
seeks to suggest the way in which we remember. It celebrates, mourns,
and reflects much in the way our unfocused daydreams do.
The theme of this piece, first sounded by the flute in the opening
bars, becomes the driving force behind this jazz-influenced work.
It leads to a development section which explores the many nuances
of this theme contains. Finally, the melody returns in its original
form, again accompanied by the dance-like riff in the piano.
This lyric song for solo piano depicts the travels of the sun as
a metaphor for man's relationship with God. The work is based solely
on a small motivic unit that drives the piece. The introduction
evokes Bach's Prelude in C, but is quickly transformed by the first
instance of the motif. The repetitive, reflective nature of the
motif is developed and elaborated until its glorious climax. The
final moments of the piece combine the arpeggios of the introduction
with an abbreviated statement of the final thematic elaboration
of the primary motif.
This piece features a large percussion ensemble, consisting of
glockenspiel, xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, timpani, and three
non-pitched percussionists playing a number of smaller percussion
instruments, including snare, toms, cymbals, and a myriad of small
percussive toys. The work portrays the effects of prejudice upon
the mind. Unrelenting rage consumes this piece. It is found throughout
the work, sometimes as a quiet simmering undertone, and elsewhere
as an explosive outburst.
