PROGRAM NOTE

Earth is my contribution to the “Elements” project, a suite involving five composers which was commissioned by Joshua Bell and premiered in August 2023. The piece begins on solid ground, with a repeating four-note ostinato over which the solo violin and the orchestral violins trade lyrical phrases. This opening idea was drawn from my Violin Concerto (2006) but takes a different journey here, eventually "taking flight" for a brief period. Beyond the fundamental sense of stability and endurance the element earth suggested to me, I hope the music also conveys a more spiritual reverence for the planet Earth itself.

https://www.theelementsjoshuabell.com/

(photo credit Chris Lee)

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