Sea of Stars

Description

Violin 1, Violin 2, Violin 3, Viola, Cello, Contrabass — The "Sea of Stars" is a popular tourist destination on the island of Vaadhoo in the Maldives. Special phytoplankton called dinoflagellates turn blue when disturbed, a process called bioluminenscence. As the waves break and crash against the shore, the water turns a sparkling blue, as if the stars are being reflected in the water. The opening of this piece imitates the shimmering water as a nostalgic tune is presented by a solo cello over delicate harmonics and tremolo. As the music swells and accelerates, the flowing theme is passed around the orchestra until a final climactic statement brings back the opening material. The piece ends as quietly and magically as it started. The "Sea of Stars" on the island of Vaadhoo in the Maldives is famous for its unique feature of bioluminenscence. As the waves break against the shore, the water turns a sparkling blue, appearing as stars reflected in the water. The opening of this piece imitates the shimmering water as a nostalgic motif is presented by a solo cello over delicate harmonics and tremolo. The piece swells, ebbs, and flows with a beautiful theme that ends as quietly and magically as it started.