Windows and Mirrors. (Original composition);

Abstract

"Windows and Mirrors" is an orchestral work in three movements: fast-slow-fast. The first movement alludes to elements of popular music styles used in dance bands, Latin rhythm bands and European jazz music and emphasizes rhythmic elements and the percussion section of the orchestra. The second movement is reminiscent of a passacaglia of the Baroque period, but instead of repeating the bass line, it repeats a chord progression. Placed over this music are various combinations of counterpoint and orchestral colors. The third movement, in rondo form, is in the style of free atonality and contains strong contrasts in it musical activity. After these contrasts are established, ideas from the first movement return and the music concludes with motives from both movements juxtaposed and intertwined. The title "Windows and Mirrors" does not refer to any specific program represented by the work; instead, the phrase alludes to a mental image of the creative process. Just as a house of mirrors creates novel shapes and proportions from existing forms, the act of composing creates changes in one's initial inspirations. As these develop from week to week, they spawn completely new ideas.