Let There Be Light

Description

Let There Be Light is a compact symphonic work that traces the opening chapters of Genesis—from the first act of creation through the fall of humanity and concluding with renewal following Noah’s Ark. Written with young players in mind, the piece balances accessibility with expressive depth, allowing developing musicians to engage with a large-scale narrative through clear themes, contrasts, and orchestration.

The work opens with a solo tuba, representing the formless void before creation. From this solitary voice, the music rapidly expands into a fast, full-ensemble statement, symbolizing the sudden emergence of light, motion, and life. This energetic material establishes the foundational theme of creation, which will later return in transformed ways throughout the symphony.

As the initial excitement settles, the music relaxes into a more reflective atmosphere before building into a chorale, suggesting order, harmony, and the completeness of the created world. This sense of stability is soon disrupted by an exposed solo flute and trombone duet, whose stark and fragile texture introduces a sense of unease. From this moment emerges the “serpent theme,” marked by tension and instability, foreshadowing the fall.

The serpent material intensifies and gives way to an anger theme, which is notably derived from the original creation music. This transformation reflects the idea that what was once good and pure has been distorted, yet remains fundamentally connected to its origin. Following this climax, the music gradually diminishes in intensity, passing through saxophone choir, then low brass choir, and finally returning once more to solo tuba, echoing the work’s opening and symbolizing destruction and loss.

In the final section, the solo tuba begins to rebuild the musical world. This time, however, the harmonic language shifts entirely into major, representing renewal, hope, and covenant after the flood. What was once darkness now gives way to light once more, closing the symphony not with power, but with reassurance and clarity.