The Coast
The relationship between the “program” implied by this section’s title, and its musical illustration, is, predictably, abstract. This section’s characteristics include very high, ethereal thematic material played by the highest orchestral instrument, the piccolo, assisted by an orchestral harp, and the wonderful bell-like celesta. But we don’t stay that high for long. (The celesta is so quiet that I move the keyboardist to a piano when things get thicker.)
This is, of course, a musical composition first and foremost, so the thematic motifs introduced by the harp and piccolo are passed to other instruments, finally to full brass and strings. As we move down from our “aloft” location, the tempo quickens, and the music is finally interrupted by full-on percussion, announcing the coming “storm” below the coast’s cloud cover.
Note: this excerpt ends abruptly, and is, of course, subject to change!
Jeffrey L. Jones, Composer 