Aphelion

I have long been inspired by mythology, nature, and space as a primary influence in my writing. I keep updated on all things astronomical. Though I likely won't live to see it, I greatly look forward to mankind's inevitable exploration of deep space and other galaxies. An aphelion is defined as the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is furthest from the sun. This phenomenon was the inspiration for this concert piece for two horns and string orchestra (or piano). The work begins starkly, with just the horns playing by themselves before a single string drone enters. This is the light of the sun a long ways away. The piece then takes us on a few adventures as it begins its revolution around the sun. The piece ends warmly as we arrive at perihelion (the point in the orbit of a planet, asteroid, or comet at which it is closest to the sun). Aphelion for two horns and string orchestra was commissioned by and is gratefully dedicated to the Chech American Horn Duo (Steven Gross and Jiri Havlik) and the Symphony of the Vines, Greg Magie, conductor, who premiered the piece in January of 2018.