The Trial

Freedom is a precious thing. When challenged, strength, hope, patience, cunning, and resilience are needed to overcome the obstacles of tyranny. The Trial is a symphonic poem inspired by the struggles people have endured throughout history in the fight for true freedom and liberty.

Originally completed in 1998 and revised in 2007, The Trial utilizes elements of quartal harmony to invoke a rich, haunting quality in its thematic material. Two contrasting sections, one lyrical and the other fragmented, offer the listener a wide range of texture while centering, for the most part, on the same harmonic palette. Piccolo, english horn, contrabassoon, piano, and glockenspiel (among other instruments) help bring out the mysticism of this work through their intricate weaving lines and subtle placement.

In its essence, The Trial endures from its steady driving pulse and a harmony that yearns for resolution. Timpani are featured throughout, which helps add to the demonstrative flavor and tension of this work, especially in the coda, where this is suspended to a point that ultimately reaches a sense of closure.

Also available to stream and/or purchase on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.