Nautilus Rising (PDF)

Description

This harrowing piece for strings follows the Nautilus, the legendary vessel of the infamous Captain Nemo from Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea”. The themes are dark and heroic, featuring rich harmonies and lots of counterpoint among the parts. The rolling rhythms of the 12/8 meter evoke the rolling waves of the sea, with a dynamic ebb and flow to match. The middle section features a rising motif in the cello and bass parts accompanied by continual rising patterns throughout the orchestra. It also features extensive imitative counterpoint. The key of F#-minor will provide many challenges and opportunities for growth, as will the position work in the violin, cello, and bass parts.