3 Movements:

In Plato's allegory, THE CAVE, Man is deprived of knowing the Truth, but in this story, we are given the chance to escape the darkness and move with hopeful purpose into the Light! Spine-chilling drama guides us to the Glorious conclusion!

Many interesting and contrasting musical concepts from tuning, phrasing, exploration of rhythmic intensity and vast dynamic changes present themselves for a great learning experience. The piece is deceivingly accessible, while at the same Time demanding a high level of Musical expression and giving.

Chapter 2 was recorded by Rundfunk Blasorchester Leipzig, 10 years to the day after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

STORMLore: Traveling with an Italian band, we stopped at a small hotel in Switzerland for espresso. Snow outside. Warmth inside. The Italians let me order in Italian. When they introduced me to the manager, he suddenly gasped… then stood up and walked away.

Twenty minutes later, he returned carrying an old drum and a mallet.

He began playing quarter notes. Slowly. Then he added his voice: “Bum… Bum… Bum… Ba-ba-ba-ba… Bum… Bum… Bum…”

Then he said… well never mind. It was a beautiful thought, nice to hear, especially in a foreign country.

For me, Escape from Plato’s Cave operates on many layers, mathematical, coded, symbolic, and deeply biographical.

Please see the Score Notes for more.

This is how the cave finally opens. Not with noise. With light.