Megaptera
symphonic fantasy for orchestra
This fantasy for orchestra was composed in late 2011 and premiered by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at their Jean Coulthard Reading Sessions in March, 2012. The title roughly means "enormous wings," and I was interested in musically exploring and transcending the apparent contradictions in this word. I therefore attempted to create sounds that were immense but graceful; complex but weightless.
After a lengthy introduction, the main theme (majestic and floating in character) is first stated in (of all things) a tuba solo (2:40). After this unlikely moment of grace, the music gradually builds in complexity and rhythmic energy, leading into an exuberant, driving final section (beginning at 6:18) that builds to a roaring climax.
After a lengthy introduction, the main theme (majestic and floating in character) is first stated in (of all things) a tuba solo (2:40). After this unlikely moment of grace, the music gradually builds in complexity and rhythmic energy, leading into an exuberant, driving final section (beginning at 6:18) that builds to a roaring climax.