Black Sand by Andrew Smith

By Andrew Smith

One of the more dramatic images of our natural world is that of an erupting volcano. However, an even more awe-inspiring act is the halting of such an unstoppable force. As lava from a volcano reaches an ocean, it is cooled very quickly creating volcanic rock. Over a much longer period however, this rock erodes away to become black sand. These violent beginnings, sudden shifts, and agonizingly slow processes inspired this music. Gestures were designed to initiate imagery of crashing waves, solidification, and finally deterioration while a cyclical aspect to the harmony may imply a repetitive nature to our world.

Duration: 8.5 minutes
Grade Level: 3