Phoenix
By Dan PerttuA Note from Concertmaster Holly
The Story
This piece is inspired by the ancient legend of the Phoenix, following the bird as it reaches the end of a life cycle lasting 1,000 years. As the cycle nears its close, the bird flies from Paradise back to our "fallen" world, where it lives until it is time to be reborn. The first part of this piece depicts this earthly realm, marked by a sense of longing and the weight of a long life.
When it is time for the Phoenix to be reborn, it sings a most beautiful farewell song that causes even the Sun to pause and listen as it rises in the sky. After the song is finished, the Sun starts again across the sky, emitting a musical spark that ignites the Phoenix in flames. After burning, a new Phoenix rises from these ashes and returns to the peace of Paradise.
Listeners drawn to this evocative and narrative sound world will have the unique opportunity to experience a World Premiere when the WSO performs Dan Perttu’s Stealing From Birds on March 15. Listening to Phoenix offers a perfect "sneak peek" into the lush textures and storytelling prowess that Dan brings to the orchestral stage.
Questions for thought as you listen:
1. Can you hear the moment the music seems to "freeze" or pause while the Phoenix sings its farewell song to the Sun?
2. How does the composer use specific instruments or musical techniques to depict the single "spark" that ignites the bird into flames?
3. In what ways does the musical atmosphere change between the "fallen" world at the beginning of the piece and the triumphant return to Paradise at the conclusion?
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.
