Program Notes
This concerto depicts a dialogue between love and grief. The first theme introduced is the love theme, derived from the word “Loving.” As the music confuses and darkens, we see the introduction of the grief theme, derived from the word “Grief.”The rest of the concerto is a battle between the two themes, spiraling into an unhinged and frantic fast section, showcasing feelings of fear and disorientation. The oboe will guide us out of this nightmare with a cadenza, and the orchestra will reconcile with itself as the two themes wind around each other into glorious harmony. The orchestra melts away with the love theme, and we have reached conclusion.
Our love for each other and what we do is what binds us together, regardless of the trials we may face in life. This piece honors that power of love, as well as the way our experiences craft us as individuals into ourselves.