To Shiver the Sky

Original Instrumentation

Orchestra, Soprano and Tenor Soloists, Female Vocal Trio, and Chorus (with Optional Children's Chorus and Organ)

Duration

53:00

Text

Various historical texts from pioneers of aviation

Premiere and Commission Info

First performed live May 15, 2022 at The Anthem in Washington D.C., by the US Air Force Band, Choral Arts Society of Washington, and ModernMedieval, conducted by Christopher Tin.

"Sogno di Volare" was commissioned by 2K Games for the video game Civilization VI.

"Daedalus and Icarus" was commissioned by Dr. Timothy M. Hsia.

"The Fall" was commissioned by David Byard in celebration of human enlightenment.

"Astronomy" was commissioned by Piotr R. Michalak as a gift to Dorota Michalak.

"Courage" was commissioned by Dr. Timothy M. Hsia as a tribute to his late grandfather, Philip Y. C. Hsia, a pilot in the Second World War with the Flying Tigers.

"The Power of the Spirit" and "We Choose to Go to the Moon" were commissioned by Megan and Michael Schacht.

PROGRAM NOTES

‘To Shiver the Sky’ is an oratorio about the history of flight, and mankind's quest to conquer the heavens. Told through the words of 11 of our greatest astronomers, inventors, visionaries and pilots, it charts our relentless need to explore the universe, defy our earthly bonds, reach for the face of God, and ultimately claim our place among the stars. It's sung in a panoply of languages: English, Latin, Italian, German, French, Polish, Russian, and Sanskrit.

AVAILABLE EDITIONS

STUDY SCORE

Complete transcription of the full orchestration featured on the album

2(1dAFl,2dPicc).2(2dEHrn).2(1dEbCl,2dBCl).2(2dCBsn)/4.3(1dPicc).2+1.1(dOptCimb)/Timp+5/Pno/Cel/Hrp/Opt.Organ/Strings
[Perc: GC, SD, SusCym(x2), Ptti, Tri (x2), Anv, Floor Tom-Tom, MTree, Tam-tam, TubBells, Crot, Glock, Xylo, Marimba, Vib, Whip, Air Raid Siren, Lion's Roar]

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