The Oceans

          The Oceans is an orchestral suite that follows a cinematic journey through each of the world’s oceans. 

 

I - The Southern Ocean​

          It begins in the Southern Ocean; frigid and unwelcoming, this movement introduces listeners to a mighty storm that abates soon thereafter, only to return in a later movement in full force. In the frigid cold and churning waters, however, there is still a sense of grandeur and majesty. 

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II - The Indian Ocean

          Next is the Indian Ocean, where the spirit of discovery and adventure takes hold and the violence of the storm is forgotten. 

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III - The Pacific Ocean

          The Pacific Ocean is the calmest point of the journey and a time to rest and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. In this movement is embedded a true anthem for our planet and all life on it - not only that which thrives below the waters. 

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IV - The Atlantic Ocean

          Then comes the Atlantic Ocean, where the storm has returned. This is the climax of all five movements and where the violence inherent to nature is fully revealed, yet it is not a movement where one is encouraged to cower or flee; it is a time to understand this aspect of nature that is not often presented to us, or honored in the same way as a blue sky or grassy field. Nature is both the peaceful prairie and the fiery chasm; both the trickling stream and torrential flood. Often we forget that this danger is entirely natural on its own, and demands its own reverence altogether. 

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V - The Arctic Ocean

          Finally, the Arctic Ocean is a time for the climax to settle and to reinterpret this kind of seemingly empty, icy waste land. Where the Southern Ocean was frigid and empty, the Arctic Ocean is still and meditative. As the movement, and thus the piece as a whole, comes to an end, we are left with a sense of continuing mystery and darkness, though one that asks us to continue on into the unknown depths.