Composed: 2023-2024

Length: c. 26 minutes

Orchestration: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, percussion (1 marimba, snare drum, timpani), 1 harp, and strings

A labor of love

One Christmas, after we opened gifts, and everyone went over to eat breakfast, I stayed behind and stared blankly into the tree in our living room. Filled with a gratitude that was underexpressed by material presents, I had this daydream that I would someday write an orchestral work as a gift to my parents to say thank you for my life and to show them how much I love them. Family is everything to me, and so by extension, this work became an offering to my entire family.

The preservation of fire

My compositional approach was driven by a desire to infuse modern, familiar rhythms and sounds into orchestral music. I believe that to keep this art form evolving and relevant, we “must repeat the thought and aspirations of the times,” as Gerswhin once said. Mahler’s perspective, “Tradition is not the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire,” also deeply resonates with me. I sincerely hope that my symphony sparks interest in this art form among younger generations and others who might not normally seek out art music.

I have an intense fighting spirit. I used to be very argumentative as a kid, especially in times when I felt an injustice was being served. Whether it was arguing in baseball about who got to the base first, or defending a vulnerable classmate that was outmatched by a bully, the fighting spirit came out in an instant. I've also had my own struggles in life, and I know first-hand how important having hope is for people during dark times.

Symphony No. 1 embodies that fighting spirit and the eternal hope that things will always get better. If this work had lyrics, they would vigorously proclaim, “Always keep fighting!” This work expresses the passion, optimism, and triumph of the human spirit.

Why Is It Called "The Wolf?"

I called the symphony "The Wolf" because I've always related to wolves in many ways. They are the symbol of Italy, which is where half of my family is from; they are an important mythical symbol in Ireland, where the other part of my family is from; and they have a reputation as being loners, despite being pack animals. Do they isolate themselves in spite of their own social needs? Do I do that too? At NC State, I was both a loner and part of the Pack - a Schrödinger's wolf, if you will... All joking aside, there is a fierceness and resilience that wolves represent, a fighting spirit. In these dark times, we all need the reminder to keep fighting and to never give up.

Learn something new

I am a self-taught musician, unlike most composers before me; and I wrote this symphony on my electric guitar, also unlike most composers before me! I actually wrote the doom metal music of Seanaldinho as a means of generating themes for use in this eventual symphony. If you listen to both projects - though very different styles of music - you'll immediately recognize certain themes for yourself.

I learned so much about composition, harmony, and arranging for an orchestra. I had so much fun playing with modulations. Maybe too much at times, but it really opened my eyes to the possibilities of music. In fact, numerous principles and concepts I've picked up are applicable to any creative endeavor.

I love how the cross-pollination has expanded my mind in unexpected ways! For example, what I learned about acoustic resonance has served to improve my understanding of engineering a good rock mix, whereas my experience with recording rock music has given me a leg up on how to choose and position mics in a classical music hall and capture the room. Another example is that the treatment of melody as a major force in classical music has led me to focus other projects around the central idea being expressed and how the supporting elements, implied or otherwise, should be treated in relation.

I can't wait to write the next one.