THE ENDLESS VOYAGE

String Orchestra with optional percussion – Grade 4

Duration: 5 Minutes

The Endless Voyage is a story of adventure, reflection, and a passion to always retain a never-ending intrepid spirit. From my early planning, I knew that Dr. Walter Temme, whom this work was commissioned for, had such a spirit. And since this work was to commemorate his retirement from as an orchestra director, I took the opportunity to write a him his own adventurous melody for which he could take with him throughout all of his future journeys.

The work opens with a “calling” from the celli for the adventure to start, but quickly moves into the beginning of our voyage. The tempo then picks up just before the melody bursts forth in its first majestic statement. As the music moves into the middle of the work, we take a more reflective view with a new melody that shares several to its earlier cousin, but allows a bit of respite before the tempo picks back up into full adventure mode.

I am honored to have composed this work for Dr. Temme, as his adventurous spirit very much reflects my own. It now serves a reminder to have a endless amount of adventure and joy in everything I do.