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First Movement of Symphony No. 1: Symphony of the Sun by Austin Ali
TOTALITY
The sun and the moon appear the same size in the sky by mere coincidence—the moon happens to be 400 times closer to the earth than the sun, and the sun happens to be 400 times larger than the moon. This astronomical pairing leads to a unique celestial event for lucky observers on earth: the total solar eclipse. In my own personal journey learning about the universe, the next total solar eclipse holds special meaning for me. On April 8th, 2024, the shadow of the moon will pass directly over my childhood home of Dallas, Texas, inspiring me to compose this personal composition.
Totality, the first movement of my Symphony of the Sun, explores the total solar eclipse musically, oscillating between night music and day music. Eventually, when the moon swallows the sun whole and descends noontime into nighttime, the piece reaches two peaks, one dark and sinister, and the other hopeful and triumphant. Totality is a deeply personal expression of my wonder for the natural world and desire to connect with the astronomical coincidence of the sun, the moon, and my place on this planet.
Austin Ali
Composer