Legacy is a three movement composition for chamber orchestra
that makes social commentary on the issue of global warming. It was
commission and premiered by the Washington Sinfonietta, Rufus Jones,
conductor.
I. Conflicts - This movement begins with a "cry" from native cultures
admonishing our neglect of the environment. The cry is interspersed
with "debate" regarding the seriousness of global warming (woodwinds).
The debate grows stronger as the cries grow weaker. The debate is
quieted by a measure of repeated chords that could be the words, "stop
it! stop it now!". A weak cry in the English Horn brings the
introduction to a close. An Allegro section follows with a rhythmic and
primitive sounding section representing the underdeveloped nations that
are destroying the rain forests for economic gain. This material
evolves into a more harmonic and contrapuntal section representing
industrialized nations reluctant to change, also for economic reasons.
Things quiet down as the music takes the listener to another part of the
globe, East Asia. Conflict is again present in this section. The music
returns to a varied restatement of the industrialized nations music
before traveling to India for a section influenced by Raga. This section
builds in dissonance until we hear the repeated "stop it now" chords
from the introduction. A brief reprise of the cries bring the movement
to a close.
II. Consequences - This movement evokes a somber mood that is
reflective of living in a climate of extremes. The movement is in arch
form as it begins and ends with open harmony reflective of barren lands
that once were fertile. The middle section serves as a climax expressive
the harshness of the climate. Colleen McColloughs book, "A Creed for
the Third Millennium" was a source of inspiration for this movement.
III. Sacrifice and Compromise - The movement begins with a strong
section that suggests progress. It is followed by a quieter and intense
section that alternates lyrical lines over a staccato ostinato that
creates a sense of urgency. The opening section returns and is followed
by a development of the ostinato section. This section is symbolic of
how ideas need to be adapted in order for progress to be made. The
opening section returns once more before leading into the concluding
section where there is coming together of the instruments on a long
lyrical line representing more and more people working together for
change. The movement ends with a sense of triumph over adversity.
The score prints on legal size paper and the parts on letter.