L U R E D B Y T H E H O R I Z O N
for Orchestra
2(picc),2,2(b.cl),2(contra) / 4331 / timp,3,pno(cel) / str
- Growth X
- Rust X
- Currents X
- Cut X
- Return X
Andrea L. Reinkemeyer (Ann Arbor, MI - 2005)
This project was generously funded by a Predoctoral Fellowship granted by the Horace H. Rackham Graduate School at The University of Michigan and was written in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Composition at the University of Michigan.
P R A I S E
"Compelling and adventurous, an important and fascinating work for orchestra." (
ACO)
The horizon's enduring allure by Timo Wirkman Virkkala
N O T E S
Lured by the Horizon (2005) is in five movements or “snapshots” of the Pacific Northwest: Growth, Rust, Currents, Cut, and Return. The first movement examines the adaptability, hopeful nature, and adventurous spirit of the people who lived in the region during the late nineteenth- and early twentieth-centuries. Since the 1840s and into the present, people have moved west with the hope of building a better life. This led to boomtowns throughout the region during the gold rush period (1848-56) and logging camps during the Depression-era (1929-41). Rust is based on a set of photographs taken by the composer in 2004 that examine the contrast between the rich natural beauty of the region with evidence of the dire economic depression that follows the collapse of an exploitative industry. In Currents I consider the Columbia River Basin that extends from Oregon to Canada, and from the Pacific Ocean to Idaho; it provides food, commerce, hydroelectric power, and recreational entertainment for the region. The river’s magnificent beauty and surprisingly treacherous undercurrents inspire two musical motives which guide the listener through the movement. Cut focuses on the dual nature of the logging industry as both an employer of thousands of people and the catalyst for severe environmental changes in the region. This drama is underscored by juxtaposing a dissonant harmonic language with stark woodwind interjections and string pizzicati. Return is inspired by my emotional reactions to photographs that I took in 2004 of abandoned barns being re-absorbed by nature. Framed in a tonal harmonic musical language, I combine musical materials from the previous four movements to evoke how the end of one entity can foster and enrich that which follows. This piece is lovingly dedicated to my parents, Carl and Linda.
I N S T R U M E N T A T I O N
Piccolo, Flute, 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in B-flat (2
nd doubles Bass Clarinet), 2 Bassoons (2
nd doubles Contrabasson), 4 Horns in F, 3 Trumpets in C, 2 Tenor Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, 3
Percussion, Piano (doubles Celesta), Strings
P E R F O R M A N C E S
Premier:
Tuesday, March 14, 2006 - 8:00 p.m.
Hill Auditorium, The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
University Symphony Orchestra (
USO)
Nikolas Caoile, conductor
Photos
Reading:
Thursday, May 18, 2006 - 10:00 a.m.
Miller Theater, Columbia University
15th Annual
Underwood New Music Readings
American Composers Orchestra (
ACO)
Jeffrey Milarsky, conductor
Photos
