Song of the Phoenix (2009)
Premiere: Michigan State University Symphony Orchestra, Carlos Botero, conductor, 2010
Duration: 12 minutes
Instrumentation: Picc.2.2.E.H.;2.Bs.Cl.;2.Cbsn.; – 4.3.3.1- Timp.; 3 Perc.; 2 Harps; Strings
SONG OF THE PHOENIX is a symphonic poem that is approached on two metaphoric fronts. One suggests the story of the phoenix bird itself. In the myth, the bird dies in a bright flash of fire, and is then reborn from the ashes it created. The other metaphor is one of urban renewal. Too often we see structures that are torn down in order to quickly build new, usually less interesting buildings in their place. Renovation and preservation have fallen too far down on the list of priorities when it comes to rebuilding our city skylines. My goal with this work is to remind listeners that renewal and renovation can go hand in hand. Buildings can be created from the materials and structures that were there before, adding a historical richness to their modern functionality.
SONG OF THE PHOENIX was chosen as the winner of the 2009 Michigan State University College of Music Honors Competition, and as a result will be performed by the MSU Symphony Orchestra in April, 2010. This piece will also be read by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on January 30th, 2010.
Song of the Phoenix – MSU Symphony, Carlos Botero, conductor
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