Program Note
“the deep” is based on my pieces “sounding field” (2017) for low brass trio written for Ohio University’s 3BASSO and “sounding field: the deep” (2018), composed at the request of Dr. Andrew Trachsel, Director of Bands at Ohio University for 3BASSO and the Ohio University Wind Symphony. This new version for wind symphony is dedicated to Dr. Will Talley and the Ohio University Wind Symphony.
As I have grown with the piece, it has taken on a new meaning for me. “the deep” explores the drama that unfolds in the deepest parts of the oceans. In complete blackness, an astonishing number of creatures survive within the thinnest of margins of life. They create their own light for communication. They go years without eating. They nearly go into toxic shock while hunting in “underwater lakes” made of super-salted water on the sea floor. They gather near hydrothermal vents and feed on bacteria which in turn feed on chemicals erupting from the sea floor. They carve out space and thrive in the most extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. As scientific missions send robotic vessels into the darkness, we begin learning about the incredibly unique organisms that are, surprisingly, widespread throughout “the deep”.
–Robert McClure
As I have grown with the piece, it has taken on a new meaning for me. “the deep” explores the drama that unfolds in the deepest parts of the oceans. In complete blackness, an astonishing number of creatures survive within the thinnest of margins of life. They create their own light for communication. They go years without eating. They nearly go into toxic shock while hunting in “underwater lakes” made of super-salted water on the sea floor. They gather near hydrothermal vents and feed on bacteria which in turn feed on chemicals erupting from the sea floor. They carve out space and thrive in the most extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. As scientific missions send robotic vessels into the darkness, we begin learning about the incredibly unique organisms that are, surprisingly, widespread throughout “the deep”.
–Robert McClure
Reproduction Notice:
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.