D9E67951-83B6-4120-8120-C3A73017449B
| ID | D9E67951-83B6-4120-8120-C3A73017449B |
|---|---|
| Titlecode | R01021 |
| Title Name | As the Waters Cover the Sea (after Mozart's 40th Symphony) |
| Marketing Copy | (not set) |
| Instrumentation | 3(1d Piccolo).2(1d English Horn).2.2: 4.3(1d pTrumpet).3.1: Timpani.Percussion(3).Piano(d Celesta): Strings |
| Commission | (not set) |
| Dedication | (not set) |
| Program Notes | AS THE WATERS COVER THE SEA (a tribute to Mozart), written in honor of the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death, is inspired by Mozart's G minor Symphony. The title refers to the time when "the earth shall be full of the knowledge of God as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:9), and the composition is both a musical and spiritual interpretation of Mozart's work. His symphony communicates a haunting pathos which has an unsettling, unresolved quality. This composition uses and transforms elements from the symphony as a means to resolve some of its spiritual questions. The work is in two sections, played without interruption. The first section heightens the unsettled mood, combining such elements as the half-step relationship of the opening melodic motive in various settings, the descending g-minor scale in two-note phrases, the viola accompaniment figure, the opening melody itself in an expanded form, and the staccato arpeggios from the last movement. These elements work to frenzy which is finally reduced to the opening two-not half step, the seed from which Mozart's symphony grew. This motive, beginning in the flutes, becomes an urgent cry which gradually permeates the entire orchestra in its quest for resolution. As if entering a new gate, the climax chord simultaneously closes the first section and opens the second. This calmer section contrasts with the agitation of the first part. Here the motives transform into agents of inner awakening and strength. An ascending melody begins in the cellos and culminates in a trumpet climax, reaching towards the source of grace, with open fifths and fourths providing space for the heart to open. Sul tasto violin arpeggios in a slow rocking motion lead gently back to Mozart's original melody, now with slow, expanded rhythms. It appears first in the celeste and woodwinds, presenting the previously agitato melody, now bathed in peace and light. In the final moments of the composition, a two-note descending figure from the second movement of Mozart's symphony appears. It was delicately, almost tentatively spaced as a melodic counterpoint in Mozart's setting. Here the pacing gradually increases into a cascade of quintuplets like grace pouring down from above. Meanwhile the viola accompaniment figure from Mozart's first movement expands to include cellos and violins creating an energetic, harmonious texture. The entire orchestra shimmers as the trumpets move to their final melodic climax: the sound fills the hall, "as the waters cover the sea." --Meira Warshauer |
| Title Brand | 2 |
| Year Composed | 1998 |
| Copyright Number | (not set) |
| Copyright Year | (not set) |
| Duration | 10 |
| Ensemble Size | 13 |
| Date Created | 2008-10-31 20:31:25.000000 |
| Date Updated | 2025-09-30 20:31:25 |
| Inhouse Note | (not set) |
| Bsc Code | (not set) |
| Text Author | (not set) |
| Premier Performance Memo | (not set) |
| Recording Credits | (not set) |
| Review | "Warshauer's As the Waters Cover the Sea, a one-movement work inspired by Mozart's 'G minor Symphony' with its title taken from the prophet Isaiah, is music written for a grand and lofty purpose. Wonderfully unified and using a modern idiom that compels listener involvement, As the Waters Cover the Sea is a tribute to music's ability to renew and transform older models. Warshauer's style is mature, comprehensive and dynamic, and she received a well-deserved ovation." --THE CHARLESTON POST AND COURIER |
| Awards | (not set) |
| Title Category | 7 |
| Title Movements | (not set) |
| Title Grade | (not set) |
| Set Series ID | (not set) |
| Title Instrument Category Text | Full Orchestra |
| Title Sub Category Text | (not set) |
| Title Sub Category | 31 |
| Title Instrument Header | 41 |
| Title Grade Text | (not set) |
| Clean Url | as-the-waters-cover-the-sea-r01021 |