Water Sings Blue
A sparkling orchestral work capturing the fluidity and delight of water
Music: Elizabeth Alexander
Water Sings Blue opens with sparkle, but this bright beginning soon takes a more meandering path. Each musical idea flows into the next naturally but unpredictably: picture a small creek in which water gurgles and bubbles, creates swirling eddies, shimmers from within its still surface, then widens into a slow deep pool for a while before suddenly making an unexpected turn and rushing into a narrow channel. This image of constant, fluid change became the guiding principle of this tone poem; indeed, whenever musical themes make reappearances — just as in Heraclitus’ ever changing river — they are never the same twice.
Instrumentation: (2222, 2421, 3 percussionists, timpani, piano, strings)
Details and Ordering Information
Composer Notes
Water Sings Blue opens with sparkle, but this bright beginning soon takes a more meandering path. Each musical idea flows into the next naturally but unpredictably: picture a small creek in which water gurgles and bubbles, creates swirling eddies, shimmers from within its still surface, then widens into a slow deep pool for a while before suddenly making an unexpected turn and rushing into a narrow channel. This image of constant, fluid change became the guiding principle of this tone poem; indeed, whenever musical themes make reappearances — just as in Heraclitus’ ever changing river — they are never the same twice.
Performers
Premiere: Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra / Joseph Schlefke (St. Paul, MN)
Saint Paul Central High School Orchestra / Matthew Oyen (St. Paul, MN)
