Instrumentation:

3 Flutes (3 dbl. picc.)
2 Oboes
3 Clarinets in Bb
Bass Clarinet
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon

2 Alto Saxophones
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

3 Trumpets in Bb
4 Horns in F
3 Trombones
Euphonium
Tuba

Timpani

Percussion 1: Crotales, Snare Drum, Glockenspiel, Triangle, Chimes, Tubular Wind Chimes
Percussion 2: Claves, Bass Drum, Woodblock, 3 Tom-toms, Tam-tam
Percussion 3: Whip, Marimba, Xylophone, Bowed Crotales [shared with Perc. 1] Percussion 4: Sus. Cymbal, Cabasa, Crash Cymbals, Hi-hat

Duration: 7:30

This piece is inspired by multiple severe thunderstorms I experienced upon my arrival to Athens, Georgia, two of which occurred while I was driving on the highway. These storms were some of the worst I have ever experienced, yet the rain and thunder came and went within fifteen minutes. I imagine they were related to hurricane season—perhaps small remnants of larger storm cells that had drifted north—yet locals seemed just as confused as I was by their severity and brevity.

In Passing Through Rain, I use these storms as a narrative device. The piece begins with sunlight: bright timbres, such as high woodwinds and metallic percussion, are combined with effervescent harmonies and energetic rhythms. As the introduction unfolds, the glorious summer sun is gradually obstructed by clouds—the tonality and orchestration grow darker and darker as I continue driving.

The second half begins with the soft patter of rain in the flutes. The crotales, which earlier symbolized the shimmer of sunlight, are re-contextualized as distant flashes of lightning. As the storm approaches, these flashes are followed by ever-closer rumbles of thunder in the brass and percussion. Fragmented melodies from earlier in the piece fly past as I drive through the worsening rain, before the sky opens and the storm crashes down in full force. But before I can blink, this downpour passes and the sun returns, leaving the countryside damp and shimmering with reflected light.

January 2024 - Athens, Georgia