Dance for a Dying Planet

Ballet Suite for orchestra

2022 | 19’

2.2.2.2/4.2.3.1/timp+1/harp/strings

Commissioned by the Hastings Philharmonic Orchestra

The Earth knows she is dying. On her final day she manifests a human form, grown from a flower in a forest, so she can interact with humanity as equals. As she awakens she is discovered by Man, who immediately feels a connection with this strange figure. They share a dance, but the Earth is still sick. Man decides to take her to the city to explore the great achievements of humanity, and they enjoy a whirlwind tour of tall buildings and fast cars and all the lights and sounds of modern life. Eventually it is too much; the Earth collapses, overwhelmed, dying. Man rushes her back to the forest she came from, hoping it will restore her, but it has already been cut down to make way for a new factory. As she dies the planet fades out of existence, all of humanity's mighty works reduced to a void in space.

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