Program Notes

Turning To Stone is a scenario someone would experience moments after looking into the eyes of Medusa. There are three major sections of this piece, the first of which is realization. During the realization section, the character realizes what has just happened, and begins to panic. The second section, the slow section, is the character hopelessly giving up. The third section is the fastest of them all because the character sees a way out, realizes that he has a chance, and starts to run. All the while, as he is starting to run, he is gradually turning to stone, getting stuck and breaking through it. You will find out whether he makes it or not at the end of the piece.

The percussionists are set up on the left and right extremes of the stage to create tension throughout the piece. The percussionists trade off melodic material in smaller and smaller increments throughout the piece until finally in the third section, the are trading back and forth so quickly that you will feel like you are actually running.

Premier: November 1, 2014. Raitt Recital Hall, Pepperdine University.

Alex Keating & Betsy Thompson (11/1/2014)