Alyssa Morris: Shine for Oboe and Vibraphone
Shine
for oboe and vibraphone
by Alyssa Morris (b. 1984) - American composer
I. Like the Moon
II. Like the Stars
III. Like the Sun
Shine for oboe and vibraphone is a response to the following scripture in the New Testament:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16
I. LIKE THE MOON
When I gaze upon the moon, I am awestruck by its lonely beauty. In the vast darkness of night, the moon shines bright, showing us all how to be a light in the darkness. This movement is a contrafact, paying a nostalgic nod to the jazz standard “Fly Me to the Moon.”
II. LIKE THE STARS
When looking on the abyss that is the night sky, that eternal void of uncertainty can be perceived as overwhelming and even frightening. Instead, when we gaze into the darkness, we look for the stars. We look out upon the eternities and marvel at the great balls of glowing gas that managed to bring their brightness lightyears away to us, so we could witness their dazzling light.
III. LIKE THE SUN
Nothing is so full of hope as is a sunrise. Every day, the morning breaks with a colorful crescendo of brightness: dark blue to purplish pink, to orange, then bright yellowish blue. The rising sun reminds us all that life is full of color and light, and that we can share that light with others.