Totem
orchestra | 8’
Totem is a portrait of nature, as expressed by two opposing themes. The kinetic, impetuous first theme introduced by the winds and brass is juxtaposed throughout the piece with a soaring and majestic melody that first appears in the strings. As its title suggests, this piece also pays tribute to my musical ancestors, so to speak, by hinting at moments in other works and non-Western musical traditions that influence my own writing. Both of the major themes used in the piece are derived from the opening motif of a popular piece of classical Javanese gamelan music called Ladrang Asmaradana.
Performances
Manhattan School of Music Symphony; David Gilbert, conductor
