Description

Flicker was commissioned by the St. Olaf Band and is dedicated to its director Timothy Mahr and members of the ensemble. This work derives its inspiration from two distinct images. The first, and most obvious as suggested by the title, is the spontaneous and unpredictable movements of flame. The second is similarly the spontaneous and unpredictable movements I witnessed during a sonogram where I first saw my unborn son. There is tremendous power in each of these images as they proclaim the miracles of life and light in the world. From the tremulous sounds at the opening of the work to the impetuous finale that suggests fires out of control, the piece explores the awe inspiring journey of inception to full blown existence that can only be sensed and revered, but not understood. To Leo with love, Dad.