This work contrasts shimmering daylight with dark, hazy nightfall. Many of the pitches in this work derive from the harmonic series – the naturally occurring overtones of a freely vibrating body, such as a violin string. Three ‘interlocking’ series (on C, E and A♭) as a starting point to create this strange intermingling of sounds amongst the orchestra. Out of this formless ‘sea’ of instrumental washes, melodies begin to flourish in the woodwind and piano, and eventually the strings. Soon the harmonic series are abandoned for a freer use of pitches. But they return at the end as the last piercing rays of light fade out, leaving us in darkness.
This piece was composed for the 2003 Douglas Lilburn Prize, which it won.