0:00 I. “Sphere of Life”
4:39 II. “The Siren”
10:46 III. “Sphere of Death”
Program Notes:
Since the Cold War, society as we know it has never been so close to nuclear pandemonium. The war waging between Russia and Ukraine has us all concerned about what could happen if the war escalates. If one side decides to detonate an atomic bomb over their enemy, it is not unlikely that their enemy will retaliate with two more. It could then keep going, and going, and going, until there is nothing left on either side. There is actually a term for this: “Mutually Assured Destruction”.
The really scary part of something like this occurring is that it wouldn’t merely impact two countries. The fallout from such nuclear attacks would spread across Earth and many people outside of the conflict would die from radiation sickness, dehydration, and famine. It is arrogant to think that every day we spend on Earth is guaranteed. This piece serves as a reminder to live and be grateful for each day that passes, because we never know when it will be our last. All it takes is one push of a button to eradicate everything we know and love.
The music is structured into three movements, which are played in continuation (attaca). The first of the three represents the beauty and
grandeur of Earth. It is everything we know or have known. Think of a tiny seed being planted, and then sprouting into the entire globe over time.
The second is all about the panic that would ensue after realizing that a nuclear bomb is about to strike a city. There is chaos in the streets, and people oppressed by the fear around them and inside them.The end of the movement is a sort of nostalgic final countdown, the beginning of the end.
Movement three starts immediately with the detonation of the bomb, which rips through the audience. It works its way down to nothing but broken shards of the first movement, until building to an emotional climax and withering away into the distance.
Premiered by the UNH Symphony Orchestra and Youth Orchestra.
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