Secret Sky

From Wind Repertory Project
Mara Gibson

Mara Gibson


Subtitle: One Hundred Veils to Fall


General Info

Year: 2017 / 2019
Duration: c. 8:00
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: Mara Gibson
Cost: Score and Parts - Unknown


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II-III-IV
Oboe I-II-III-IV
Bassoon I-II-III-IV
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-IV
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Tuba I-II
String Bass I-II
Timpani
Percussion, including:

  • Marimbas (2)
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Temple Blocks (5: high to low)
  • Vibraphone
  • Wood Blocks (large and small)

String Quartet


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

This project is inspired by the island community of Beaver Island, Michigan. Robert Nordling and the Beaver Island Cultural Arts Center commissioned me to compose this piece as a part of the 2017 Baroque on Beaver Festival. Having written for primarily chamber ensemble, this opportunity is beyond exciting for me! Additionally, Robert is a friend, and like most of my creative endeavors, collaboration is critical. His input has been integral to my process. Beaver Island is an extremely ecologically diverse area. As a consequence, there are a plethora of bird species inhabiting the island. In tracking the bird patterns around the island, moving from the north end to the east side, around to the west side and back up the central, I discovered several sonic patterns (based on the bird calls themselves as well as and migration paths). I began the planning stages of this piece at the MacDowell Colony in August 2016. The piece premiered August 6, 2017 under the direction of Robert Nordling and the Baroque on Beaver Festival Orchestra.

Rumi’s [13th century Persian poet] words anchor the piece: “This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet.”

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

  • Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge) Symphonic Winds (Kelvin Jones, conductor) - 21 November 2019 *Premiere Performance*


Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • The Horizon Leans Forward..., compiled and edited by Erik Kar Jun Leung, GIA Publications, 2021, p. 333-334.
  • Mara Gibson, personal correspondence, May 2020
  • Mara Gibson website Accessed 20 May 2020