Heartbeat for Orchestra

Abstract

Heartbeat is a work for orchestra inspired by our heart, which starts from the day we are born. My work is concerned with both the abstract representation of the heartbeat in graph form, and also the emotional expressions of humans, which we all share. The heartbeat can be scientifically measured, and represented, which is the opposite of human emotion which is much more ephemeral. The structure of my piece, then, is based on the graphic waveform of the heartbeat while the music itself is subject to the fullness of human emotion. The melodic theme is simple and inspired by the birthday numbers of a friend. The wide leap in the middle of this melody symbolizes the living spirit, and also correlates to the spike in the graph of the heartbeat. Pizzicato in the cello and bass imitate the heartbeat, and as more instruments are added the structure expands. The heart-pulses change as the piece progresses and assumes various rhythmic changes, like the human heart.