PROGRAM NOTES

The title of this work alludes to its rhapsodic and lyrical essence, the seed out of which grows the entire piece, but also to its fundamental metamorphosis. The mythological character of Icarus, after all, soars so close to the sun that his wax wings melt, plunging him into the sea. While not a meditation on high hopes shattered, the piece shares a similarity to Icarus’ trajectory : moving from the ground to the air, then falling (if quite gently) back to earth.

The uniform sound of a string orchestra inspired a melody covering a vast range – almost two octaves in its first phrase alone. But there is another special quality of string instruments – the ability to play extended passages without a break, since no breathing is required – that suggested a metamorphosis into highly minimal figuration. Indeed, the opening melody ultimately shatters into a panoply of minimalist fragments that float by in different rhythmic and harmonic worlds. These shards ultimately fuse back together into a long line – but it is forever changed, as a comet-like trail of figuration dances in its wake.