Monoliths, an orchestral work
Steven Weimer · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2014
Monoliths is an orchestral work that was inspired by large rock structures found in Denali, Yosemite and Glacier National Parks.Prominent peaks in these parks have survived beyond the latest ice age, with surfaces ranging from smooth, untouched granite, to mountainous summits that stand atop the world.Such beautiful places are humbling and liberating all at once, demanding a large instrumental force to convey the richness of color and shape inherent to these magnificent locations.Musically, the vastness of these structures had a profound impact on my approach to harmony and texture, which is often full and heavy.The work develops organically, drawing the musical material out of dense harmonic blocks which act as signposts to initiate the beginning, middle and end of the piece.