The Seventh Wave

Year: 2016 | Duration: 6′ | Woodwind Quintet or String Orchestra

Full score available on Scores page

Instrumentation

  • Flute
  • Oboe
  • Bb Clarinet
  • Horn in F
  • Bassoon

Description

The popular myth known as The Seventh Wave claims that ocean waves tend to form into groups of seven, with the seventh being the biggest of the group. The final wave has been said to be so big that it can capsize a ship at sea, or return a sailor who has fallen overboard back to his ship. This myth, however largely proven to be false, does prove that regularities in wave patterns do often occur if weather conditions are favorable. The formal plan of the piece is meant to represent a single composite group of waves, using texture, tempo, and thematic disposition to delineate each wave.