On the Mountains of Orphalese…
Dedicated to my teacher, Dr. Andrew Cole, Dr. Andrew Mast, and the Lawrence University Wind Ensemble
2016
Premiered by The Lawrence University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Andrew Mast
Instrumentation: Wind Band
2 flutes (flute 1 doubles picc.), 2 oboes, 3 clarinets, 1 bass clarinet, 2 Alto, 1 tenor, 1 bari, 4 horns, 3 trumpets 2 trombones, bass trombone, euphonium, tuba, 4 percussion*
Tam-tam, vibraphone, timpani, bass drum, crash cymbals, chimes, splash cymbal, doumbek (may substitute), glockenspiel, brake drum, snare drum, four unpitched muted gongs, tom-toms.
Digital Score & Parts: $350
Program notes
We all have moments of intense isolation. A longing to leave where we are and find a place that can feel like home. What better place to go than towards the poetry of Gibran Khalil Gibran in his masterpiece, The Prophet?
The mountains of Orphalese, the place where the prophet searches for his ship to take him home everyday. What does it look like? Where, in this world, could exist such a place where the people recognize a prophet among them and is willing to learn? When surrounded by violence, my own people's pleading to better navigate this world brings me comfort.
Yet I can't help but weep for these mountains. The prophet that came as a refugee in Orphalese - in this world - dies a martyr everday.
The mountains where water was turned into wine are under fire; so I must take refuge in the mountains of Orphalese, perhaps I can still find meaning there.