Triptych

About

1. Sand
During a walk along Allans Beach one very windy day, I was fascinated with the white dry sand being blown across the firmer sand, like clouds. This orchestral composition depicts the movement of sand, and other aspects of the transient landscape moving at slower speeds, like the eroding cliffs and rock, the movement of the sea on the sand, and the wind. Like grains of sand and the environment, our bodies are ever changing, their cells renewed every seven years in a state of constant change (5:20)

2. Night Sky
This contemplative movement depicts the night sky and its countless stars as well as the spectacular aurora Australis visible from places like Otago and Southland. The melodic material references the plainchant Beati mundo corde, and serves as a commemorative prayer for loved ones that have passed away or who are living away from home (7:30)

3. Botanic Gardens
Dunedin’s Botanic Garden is New Zealand’s oldest gardens. The gardens are divided into lower and upper gardens. This whimsical orchestral movement depicts the various themed sections of the lower gardens:

The opening of the movement depicts the impressive main gates and, taking the path to the right, the very tall trees swaying in the breeze. 1:16 - The Rose Garden
2:42 - The circular Camelia Walk (with tall trees)
3:58 - The circular Herb Garden and Fountain of Life (all within the circular Camelia Walk). The Scottish folksong Wild Mountain Thyme is quoted in this section
4:51 - Japanese Tea Garden where you will hear a mysterious setting of the Japanese Cherry Blossom song
6:00 - The Victorian Glass Houses are represented by a short quote of the plainchant Terribilis est (this awesome place, traditionally sung during the consecration of buildings)
6:28 - We are now walking along one of the rockery paths overlooking the gardens, including a band rotunda with Arabic domes (the structure used to be part of the Octagon)
6:59 - The large fountain, tall trees, and famous herbaceous border that leads us back to the main gates.

Although this movement comprises various sections, each features the omnipresent tall-trees music in various settings. The music also conveys the sense of magic and mystery one feels whilst walking through the gardens at any time of the year (8:00).