I often use a non-musical idea as a point of departure. In the case of Bow Echo, this idea came in the form of a lightning bolt on a Sunday morning in July. Lightning struck my house, blowing a hole in the roof, splitting wood in the eves, taking out all electrical outlets and appliances. I was blown away by the power of the storm, and Bow Echo was born. A Bow Echo is a formation of storm clouds that usually spawn severe storms with high winds, hail, dangerous lightning and possible tornadoes. The three movements follow the life of a storm from slow approach to violent rage to eerie calm.

For Libby Larsen
Premiered by: Thomas Rutishauser