Rings

For Chamber Orchestra (10”30)
1.afl.2.2.2-2.2.0.0-perc(3)-strings.

Programme note

This piece is inspired by a recently released video of Saturn rising from behind the moon in a ‘lunar occultation’. The video, which is accelerated, captures Saturn and its unmistakable rings gradually emerging from behind the whiteness of the moon, into the blackness of space.

This piece attempts to musically deaccelerate the video once again, beginning with the black emptiness of space, as sparse woodwind chords move together melodically above a string pedal. The comforting familiarity of the moon, our closest neighbour, is captured through a more tender melodic line that interweaves between many of the instruments as soloists.

Gradually, though, a more sinister and terrifying harmonic language and steadily thickening texture takes a hold of the orchestra, as Saturn and its alien rings gradually emerges from the blackness.

Once the music reaches its climax, the opening theme is now heard played by the full orchestra, both majestic and chilling, signifying that Saturn and its rings are in full view.

The piece ends in a cyclical manner, with the lyrical melody returning to interweave between many instruments of the orchestra once again, before the open chords of the beginning return alongside a tolling bell.