SHIFTING CIRCLES, 1993

commission: Roanoke Symphony Orchestra

Duration, 8 minutes

Orchestra (3,3,3,3, 4,3,3,1, timp., 3 perc., hp., strings)

Shifting Circles can be visualized as a series of revolving circles which are suspended in layers, one overlapping the next. Within each circle revolves a different emotion. Some circles revolve at different rates of speed. Shifting from one circle to the next, which occurs at varying speeds, is an important compositional element. The volatile shifts in mood in this work were influenced by recently reading a historical account about a 16th century Irish woman who was a pirate! An actual historical person, married twice, bearing four children, she led an exuberant but tumultuous life full of intrigue, power and often despair. In a time when the territories of Ireland were ruled independently, Grace O'Malley took over a territorial rule when her first husband was murdered. In constant battles of wit and sword with other Irish warlords, as well as with the British governor in Ireland, she strengthened and expanded her territory and fortresses, established an alliance with Queen Elizabeth, and led her fleet of galleons in both commercial ventures and frequent pirating of any ship that did not belong to an ally until she was past the age of 60.

Performances:

SHIFTING CIRCLES, 1993 (Commission, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra)

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Subscription Series, Roanoke, VA, 5/3/93

Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, SONOKLECT, Lexington, VA, 5/2/93