BORN: 1990
INSTRUMENTATION: two flutes, two oboes, two clarinets in Bb, two bassoons, four horns in F, two trumpets in C, two tenor trombones, bass trombone, timpani, percussion, harp, violin I, violin II, viola, violoncello, double bass
DURATION: ca 11:30 minutes
Program Notes
Written by the composer
I. Past II. Present III. Future
Reflections, for orchestra, consists of three movements: Past, Present, and Future. Although each movement presents unique musical characteristics, they are united by shared musical themes and elements to tie the piece together as a whole.
The first movement, Past, offers contemplation on one’s history, evoking memories and reminding challenges and struggles. This movement, exhibiting an epic characteristic, is the beginning of a journey to acknowledge and reflect on various perspectives and perceptions during different time periods.
The second movement, Present, displays a sentimental and spiritual insight into one’s current state of mind. The present time is often when the speed of life seems to slow down, and one closely scrutinizes various aspects of the being. This movement—featuring lyrical solo passages, extensive timbral diversity, and distinctive integration of short and sustained tones—develops an orchestral climax that bridges into a perplexing future.
The third movement, Future, includes energetic and dynamic motives that transform and prolong during the movement, representing the unknown and uncertainty that the future holds. It features the progression of ideas evolving into an orchestral culmination at the end of the piece.
The piece invites the audience to relate the musical concepts to their emotions and thoughts and connect the movements to their own past, present, and future experiences. It encourages everyone to find the piece as a self-portrait of their lives as the composer does so.
Reflections was commissioned by the League of American Orchestras for the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra with the generous support of the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation.