Aftermath (2012)
Performers:
University Symphony Orchestra, University of Michigan
Elliot Moore, conductor
Program Notes:
The inspiration for this piece comes from the Book of Revelations, the last book of the Bible. It contains visions and prophesies about the end of the earth along with many abstract images and beautiful poetry.
The book holds the frightening prospect of the destruction of the world as we know it, but, for me, it also inspires the hope of a better world where the hurt and frustration that we face on a daily basis would no longer be a part of our existence. It describes a perfectly renewed version of the life that we know without the heartache and suffering to which we have grown accustomed.
This juxtaposition of hope coming out of chaos fascinated me, because all of our perceptions, whether good or bad, are framed by little imperfections. For me, this makes it nearly impossible to imagine a perfect world as it is described here. Therefore, the heart of my composition lies in a deep longing for beauty within disorder and for peace within turmoil.