Pathways V: Tides of Change

Complete Work Title:

Pathways V: Tides of Change

Performance Medium:

solo piano and chamber orchestra (2 versions):

  1. 25 players: 2 flutes (1 dbl. alto flute; 2 dbl. piccolo), oboe, English horn, Bb clarinet, Bb bass clarinet, bassoon, 2 F horns, 2 Bb trumpets, trombone, 2 percussion, strings (33221).
  2. 15 players: flute (dbl. alto flute, piccolo), oboe (dbl. English horn), Bb clarinet (dbl Bb bass clarinet), bassoon, 2 F horns, Bb trumpet, trombone, 2 percussion, strings (11111). 

Duration:

22:00

Date Composed:

June 2024 – August 2026

Dedication:

to Heidi, Gabriel, and Maxwell; composed for Pala Garcia

Movements:

  1. Thaw
  2. Clearcut
  3. Terra infirma
  4. Ripple Effects
  5. Gyre Islands
  6. Encroachment
  7. Threshold/Resistance (Cadenza)
  8. Surge

Additional Information:

This work is part of an ongoing series of related concerti for solo instrument and chamber orchestra; additional information about this series, is included in the Projects section of this website.

Score:

Program Note:

Begun in 1993, Pathways is a series of works for solo instrument and large chamber ensemble, consisting of a single, fixed accompaniment that provides a continuously transforming sonic landscape through which each soloist traverses its unique way. The conceptual metaphor for Pathways is that of a traveler (soloist) and their individual relationship with the surrounding environment on a given journey. The four concerti in this series composed to date— featuring trombone, percussion, soprano saxophone, and piano—explore these various relationships in contrasting ways. Superimposed onto this metaphorical conceptual framework is a distinct narrative element that informs the individual soloist/ensemble relationship in each work. The fifth in the series, Tides of Change is divided into eight brief episodes, each addressing an aspect of the impending climate crisis, with the violin acting to influence—often in futility—the seemingly inexorable trajectory of the ensemble.

Pathways V: Tides of Change was composed between June 2024 and July 2026 for violinist Pala Garcia.