BALANCE OF POWER
By Peter BoyerA Note from Concertmaster Holly
A burst of energy sets the tone in music that feels unmistakably American. Bright brass, rhythmic drive, and clear melodic lines move with confidence and playfulness, creating moments that are bold, breezy, and immediately engaging.
Peter Boyer draws on the tradition of American ceremonial music, balancing wit and weight with an easy sense of momentum. Balance of Power, inspired by a complex political relationship in the early 1970s, shifts between reflective calm and sly humor, revealing a composer who knows how to say a lot without overcomplicating the message. Boyer’s nod to that era—when power, influence, and public perception were tightly intertwined—gives the music an extra layer of cleverness and perspective.
Listeners drawn to this sound world will have another chance to hear Boyer’s vibrant voice when the WSO performs Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue for piano and orchestra on February 22, featuring pianist Jeffrey Biegel.
Questions for thought as you listen:
- What makes a piece of music sound American to you?
- Do you hear any nods to other American composers?
Leave us your comments
There are no wrong answers, part of the fun is sharing and reading each other’s impressions. It only expands the richness of the experience.
