Program Notes
VII. Neptune, the Mystic
At the edge of the solar system lies Neptune, cold and distant. The score is transparent, softly dissonant, yet shimmering. Never leaving a quiet dynamic, this is accentuated by the women’s chorus appearing and fading until “sound is lost in the distance,” leaving the audience in the vastness of space. Without a clear melody, the music floats suspended in time.
Instrumentation
Flute orchestra or large flute choir -
2 Piccolos
6 Flutes
3 Alto Flutes
2 Bass Flutes
1 Contrabass Flute
Parts may be doubled with more players as desired. The contrabass flute part may be omitted as necessary.