Chamber Symphony

Abstract

“Chamber Symphony” is a symphony for chamber orchestra (flute/piccolo, oboe/english horn, clarinet, bassoon, two horns in F, piano, and strings) and soprano. It is in a nesting doll structure. That is, there are increasingly smaller forms within the overall largest form; the single symphony form sits within a sonata form whose four sections are comprised of the stereotypical four symphony movements. The whole work gravitates around the tonic of D; starting there, moving through A, F-sharp, B-flat, back to D before finally resting on F. All of these structural elements are designed to emphasize, enhance, and relate to the text of Walt Whitman’s “O Me! O Life!” which is the central part of the symphony. At all of its levels “Chamber Symphony” is about memory. Walt Whitman’s text poses the question of what purpose there is in continuing on and committing to the fight to be the best possible version of yourself when the world will continue to give you unlimited reasons not to. For me personally, the last ten years of higher education have been a constant push to try to be the best while constantly having reminders that nothing will be easy. This reminder is the bases for that constant return of the funeral march theme and the barrage of split third chords throughout the work. Some of my favorite memories come from my time singing hymns at camp-fire vesper services during my times at church camp. The second movement serves to be the embodiment of these times and moments. Its hymn theme seeks to fight the funeral music throughout. Those were always the clearest and most peaceful times for me and easily some of the strongest. So, to me, those are the answer to Whitman’s question. It is because of those moments “that the powerful play goes on, and [I] may contribute a verse.”