Shield the Fading Light

This piece was commissioned by G.O.B. Gruppo Ocarinistico Budriese. They reached out for a new original piece inspired by the music of video games. Written for their new concert series, it was premiered at the International Ocarina Festival in Budrio and the city of Bologna in April 2025. The festival “constitutes an important opportunity to celebrate the symbolic instrument of Budrio’s cultural heritage in all its forms and the social and musical community that carries on its artisanal tradition and memory, enchanting generations of fans and professionals worldwide.”

Program Notes

"Dawn’s reflection, the thread that binds the opportunity of solace. Beneath the abandoned horizon, vanished is the bygone past.  Determined, we hold the pillar of chance to bring about change, for thriving hope in the face of peril.  The dusk falls to remind of what was once foretold, but by the dawn, may the fading light of the shattered moon be shielded evermore."

Instrumentation

Ocarina Septet and strings -

Soprano C
Soprano G
Alto C
Alto G
Bass C
Bass G
Contrabass C
Violins I, II
Viola
Cello
Bass

Strings may be played one per part, but may also be doubled with more players.