Radiant Pillars

For Orchestra

International Call for Scores Winner: 2023 EarShot New Music Readings, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra & American Composers Orchestra

Premiere (Small Orchestra Version): Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Wiley conductor - Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio, Oct. 4, 2023


The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra premiere recording is available for private review only. Contact Martin Hebel to request access.


Radiant Pillars for Orchestra is available in two versions

Large Orchestra Version

11 minutes | 2.2.2.2 / 4.2.3.1 / Timp. 2 Perc. 1 Cel.+Pno. Harp / Strings | 2024

Small Orchestra Version

11 minutes | 2.2.2.2 / 2.2.1.0 / Timp. 1 Perc. 1 Cel.+Pno. Harp / Strings | 2020

PROGRAM NOTES

Radiant Pillars is an abstract reflection on two scientific observations which expanded our understanding of the universe: the Hubble telescope image, “Pillars of Creation,” showing stars forming from massive clouds of gas and dust, and the discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background, the edge of the universe still expanding from the Big Bang.

Radiant Pillars begins by contrasting light, gently reverberating motives and delicate fragments with darker, colossal columns, illuminated by cascades of vivid, intense color. Bright, vibrant flourishes follow, building a torrent of energy as Radiant Pillars culminates in an immense explosion. Finally, clear, gentle fragments return, echoing as they fade away.

Radiant Pillars is also available for solo piano.