II. Escher Keys: Three Worlds

The second movement reflects a less conversational relationship between the soloist and the orchestra.  The timbre and dialogue is more subtle and introspective.  There is great room for the soloist to interpret his perception of the artwork in the movement. This movement begins submerged under water, in the underworld.  Gradually climbing through the reflected branches the second section of this movement moves into bird song.  Starting out with a Messiaen-inspired bird song, the music moves to a deep cormorant call (native to Louisiana), a brief cry from a white-throated sparrow and general songbird calls all layer to create an otherworldly pallet.  The descent of the leaves falling takes the listener back into the world below thus merging the three perspectives: the world above, below and on the surface.

Duration: 5 minutes