2026
6’30”
Program Notes:
At the Mercy narrates a quest for fulfillment. The piece is composed of a series of ascents, each rising towards ethereal and glorious destinations. They grow from murky openings to become empowered and resplendent before collapsing, overburdened, by their own weight. Repeatedly we attempt this rise, hands outstretched in yearning, only to fall after our fingers graze upon transcendence.
These long ascents are juxtaposed by musical ‘gifts’ or ‘mercies’. They arrive suddenly, appearing as unexpected beauty to liberate us from this cycle of striving and failing. In this way, At the Mercy depicts enlightenment not as the product of our efforts, but as gifts freely given from sources outside out control. They cannot be created or earned, but merely appreciated as brief respites and mercies.
Instrumentation
1 Flute
1 Clarinet (B flat)
1 Oboe
1 Bassoon
2 Trumpets
1 Trombone
1 Percussion
-Glockenspiel, Tam-Tam, Vibraphone, China Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal
Piano
Strings
Premiere Information
At the Mercy (for chamber orchestra) hasn’t been premiered yet. If you’re interested in performing it, contact me at k.heeren@yahoo.com.