Program note

Escape Velocity starts with the most innocent pizzicato low G. With plenty of space to breathe, it slowly evolves upward, creating a collection of notes too big to fit in any one key, but still seemingly compatible. As the music ascends, it becomes more melodic, but also more tense. Gradually the collection of notes begins to separate out into two distinct keys: G minor and E minor. At the climax of the piece, a piercing high A, the two keys become irreconcilable, and the entire piece comes crashing down in a jumble of both keys. But out of this dust, some common ground is found, and the piece ends with a four note gesture—the four notes in common with G minor and E minor.

Performances