Nebulae: Gravitational Collapse and Star Formation
For chamber orchestra:
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.
This is the first of a four movement work. It employs halting rhythms
and a fierce and furious tone, depicting frustration and ensuing
rage. These rhythms contrast with a lyric melody that follows. The
work develops these ideas and leads to a feverish climactic end.
Exultation is the going
Of an inland soul to sea,—
Past the houses, past the headlands,
Into deep eternity!
Bred as we, among the mountains,
Can the sailor understand
The divine intoxication
Of the first league out from land?
This is a movement from a work still in progress. The entirety
of the piece depicts the manifest transition of man from ignorance
and intolerance toward wisdom and justice.
