Ha Shamayim (Inspired by 5 Photos from the Hubble Space Telescope)
Amy Mills
About this work:
“Ha Shamayim” is a 14 minute original piece for full orchestra that was inspired by photographs taken by the Hubble space telescope. Each Section is inspired by one photo and each Section title is the title that NASA gave to the photograph.
Section I: Warped Edge-On Galaxy ESO 510-G13
The piece begins with sounds of outer space and its glistening stars. Glissandi are used to depict the strange but beautiful warp seen in the photograph.
Section II: Galaxy Fires at Neighboring Galaxy
Suddenly the piece erupts as one galaxy fires blue gas at its neighbor. They engage in a cosmic battle.
Section III: Youthful-looking Galaxy May Be an Adult
The adolescent galaxy is represented by a humorous, gawky melody that reminds us of, teenage boys. Occasionally there is an argument with an authority figure, but the joy of exploring the universe quickly returns.
Section IV: Star Birth in Galaxy M83
The dramatic photograph looks like a womb with veins. The music begins on one note, then it begins to explore the initial swelling and stretching. It morphs into an energetic fast theme, still growing. Ultimately it becomes as glorious and expansive as the new star.
Section V: String of 'Cosmic Pearls' Surrounds an Exploding Star
The first theme is a joyful circle dance inspired by the circle of white dots in the photograph. The second theme is noble and joyful. It is reminiscent of the melody in the famous chorus in Haydn’s “The Creation” with the words from Psalm 19, “The heavens are telling the glory of God.” The music then has flashbacks to the earlier Sections, and ends in triumph.
The words “Ha Shamayim” are Hebrew for “The Heavens.” They are written in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The words are also seen in
Psalm 19 as mentioned above.
The five Sections in “Ha Shamayim” are continuous with no breaks.
The piece was written in Nov/Dec 2009 and revised in 2011. The composer conducted the Orquesta Sinfónica de Aguascalientes, Mexico in the world premiere of “Ha Shamayim” on July 2nd, 2010. I will always be grateful to Maestro Roman Revueltas, Music Director, Orquesta Sinfónica de Aguascalientes, for the opportunity, and to the One Who created ha shamayim.
Version: 2011
Year composed: 2011
Duration: 00:14:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Strings (General)
Instrumentation notes: Flutes 1&2 double on piccolo, Clarinet 2 doubles on Bass Clarinet, Percussion 1&2 play Glockenspiel, Vibraphone (Vides), Snare Drum, Field Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Tam Tam, Bass Drum, Triangles, Tambourine, Wind Chimes