for Full Orchestra
“…a neatly constructed work, never dull or excessive. Kaulkin…used the full orchestra with good clarity and variety of sound.”
Program Notes | Request a Score
Audio Excerpts
Excerpt 1: A lyrical passage (2:45)
Excerpt 2: A dramatic, energetic passage (1:02)
Excerpt 2: The dramatic climax (1:49)
Winner of the 2000 Highsmith Composition Prize, and premiered by the Oakland East Bay Symphony in 2003, Misterium Tremendum is among the repertoire selected for the 2003 Vakhtang Jordania International Conducting Competition.
In Misterium Tremendum the listener is pulled on a journey through space and time, from nearly imperceptible lows to earth-shattering highs. Chromatic, atmospheric and aggressive gestures are contrasted with lyrical passages and moments of soaring exhilaration.
The emotional subtext of the piece draws on the awe one feels when contemplating the scope of the universe or the history of time. For some this is a feeling of joy or exhilaration, and for others perhaps, dread. This piece explores those conflicting emotions.
Performances
- September 2003, Vakhtang Jordania International Conducting Competition
- February 2003, Oakland East Bay Symphony
- April 2000, San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra
Instrumentation
Orchestra (2,2,2,2 4 3,3,1 hp 2perc strings)
Duration
1 movement; 13 minutes
Difficulty Level
Moderately difficult. The student orchestra at the San Francisco Conservatory was able to play this piece magnificently.
