The Generator
Andrew McManus
About this work:
There are multiple narrative threads that begin to converge in the penultimate chapter (“The Generator”) of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. One finds Dr. Robert Stadler trying to recover the weapon he invented from those who would misuse it. Another finds Dagny Taggart slowly detaching herself from the long battle she has waged against those who have tried to undermine her achievements as a railroad executive. The last finds John Galt being tortured by his captors, who try to force him to save the world from its clearly imminent demise. Rand brings these narrative threads together in a headlong dramatic rush to the end of the novel. This is one motive force behind The Generator. Mechanical noise, quasi-tonal lyricism and conspicuously conflicting rhythms unite in a complex spiral that culminates in a brilliant coda. The Generator is third in a series of works that explore concepts behind Atlas Shrugged and Ayn Rand’s Objectivist philosophy. Rand’s characters are larger-than-life, brazen, intransigent individualists, and the virtuosity and drama of the piece attempt to capture their spirit.
Year composed: 2010
Duration: 00:08:00
Ensemble type: Chamber or Jazz Ensemble, Without Voice:Other Combinations, 2-5 players
Instrumentation: 1 Clarinet, 1 Piano, 1 Viola