Pluto
Stan Grill
About this work:
The day to day that swirls about us is so vivid and present, that for most, the thought does not even occur that all of it, despite its huge emotional content for us individually, is but an infinitesmal part of the universe around us. For those who do think this way, it is nevertheless almost impossible to avoid getting entirely wrapped up in the sweep of personal events, and keep in mind (and heart) the vast expanse of the world that through all of time and space continues its grand procession. As in every moment, at this very moment, through unimaginable distances, stars move, vast energies are released and exchanged, and mysteries both within and beyond our capacity for knowing are at work. Pluto (composed for a One World Symphony concert performance of Holst's "The Planets") is a meditation on this theme. Such matters may seem distant to our concerns, but I believe it hugely important that we hold the vast and mysterious world ever present in our hearts. If more did so, perhaps we would find more cause for the pursuit of knowledge and less for the unceasing violence that has marked us throughout that tiny fraction of time/space that we think of as our history.
Year composed: 2005
Duration: 00:15:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Standard Orchestra
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 2 Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 4 Horn in F, 2 Trumpet, 2 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 1 Percussion (General), 12 Violin, 6 Viola, 6 Cello, 3 Double bass, 1 Other Percussion Instrument(s)