Program Notes

Onda, for symphony orchestra, delves into the exploration of undulation. The piece creatively adapts wave-like shapes to govern its dynamics, melodic profiles, registers, intervals, and harmony. To achieve a sense of fluidity and evoke vivid imagery of oceans, water splashes, sprinkles, moments of tranquility before storms, thunder, whirlwinds, and ship horns, I employ referential timbres, textures, and effects like trills, water gongs, and scraped sizzle cymbals.

A noteworthy aspect of the composition lies in its seamless connections between instrumental groups, creating flowing, wave-like transitions throughout the orchestra. This endeavor enables sound to traverse effortlessly among different instrumental groups. Additionally, the work utilizes pitch centers and drones strategically to establish points of gravity, even in the midst of chromatic passages. These elements contribute to capturing the simultaneous sense of motion and stillness often associated with the vastness of the sea.

— Felipe Lara