The genesis for this piece began at the age of 16,
inspired by a suggestion from my mother: to compose
music that encapsulated the essence of surfing.
Intrigued by the idea, I was nonetheless limited by my
expertise, which at the time, solely revolved around
the piano. The instrument, as expressive as it is,
couldn't fully capture the emotions I yearned to
convey.
The winter of 2013 was graced with an exceptional surf
season. Amidst the dance of the waves, the inspiration
for a symphon...(+)
The genesis for this piece began at the age of 16,
inspired by a suggestion from my mother: to compose
music that encapsulated the essence of surfing.
Intrigued by the idea, I was nonetheless limited by my
expertise, which at the time, solely revolved around
the piano. The instrument, as expressive as it is,
couldn't fully capture the emotions I yearned to
convey.
The winter of 2013 was graced with an exceptional surf
season. Amidst the dance of the waves, the inspiration
for a symphony portraying a day's surfing adventure
sparked within me. Eagerly, I began sketching out
musical blueprints. Yet, as often happens, life's
myriad distractions took precedence, leaving those
initial melodies and transitions untouched. Still, each
time I took to the waves, the symphony in my mind
continued to evolve, with new musical motifs crafting
themselves with every wave.
The world changed in April 2020 with the onset of the
pandemic. Confined to my home, devoid of external
obligations, and surrounded by the serenity of Kona's
exceptional surfing conditions that month, I finally
found the space and inspiration to earnestly develop
this symphony. I completed the piece several months
later in June.
Structured in five evocative movements, this
composition paints a narrative of a day in the life of
a surfer. While the symphony unfolds across five
distinct movements, they seamlessly flow into each
other, uninterrupted. This fluidity is maintained with
the gentle rolling of the suspended cymbal, evoking the
eb and flow of the waves and connecting each
movement.
Movement I: “Arriving Swell” A storm far out to
sea; an ocean swell is born. Before the sun even
graces the sky, our surfer springs to life, a pulse of
adrenaline and anticipation. Gazing out the window, the
ocean's call is unmistakable. Surf's up! The sacred
pre-surf ritual unfurls: the perfect shorts are chosen,
boards receive a meticulous waxing, and leashes undergo
a thorough inspection. With every piece in place, the
car is loaded, and the drive to the waves begins. As
the journey unfolds, our surfer's grin is unwavering,
each curve in the road revealing tantalizing glimpses
of waves crashing between coastal homes and trees.
Reaching the beach, our surfer, infused with eagerness,
leaps from the car, board in tow. Feet pounding the
sand, the ocean's embrace draws nearer. Yet, an
unexpected sight halts the sprint: a stark "Shark
Sighting" sign stands sentinel. In a heart-wrenching
moment, exhilaration meets caution.
Movement II: “Shark Sighting” Caught in a maelstrom
of caution and temptation; our surfer stands on the
precipice of a decision. The allure of the pristine
waves beckons, and while the safer choice is clear, the
sight of fellow surfers riding the waves tilts the
balance. With a deep breath, our surfer plunges into
the waters. Each shadow beneath the water's surface
sends a shiver of apprehension, the journey to the
break feeling infinitely longer than usual. Amidst this
heightened state, a movement catches the surfer's eye.
Perhaps we should return to the beach and come back
another day? To their relief, it's just a graceful sea
turtle gliding by. The coveted break is now within
sight. Paddling with renewed vigor, yet maintaining a
discreet presence, our surfer soon reaches the
congregation of fellow wave riders. Just as they begin
to let their guard down, a sudden tug at their leg
jolts them back to high alert! But it's only a
mischievous fellow surfer, sharing a light-hearted
jest. The tension dissolves, and our surfer's focus
narrows to one thing alone - the mesmerizing dance of
the waves.
Movement III: “Hymn to the Sea” Silky waves roll
in, their rhythmic crests painting a mesmerizing
tableau. Beneath, the waters are a warm embrace, with
the heavens adorned by a clear blue canopy and a
radiant sun. A fellow surfer effortlessly catches a
wave, tracing elegant curves upon its shimmering
surface. The scene is so captivating, one might be
content merely to be an observer. Yet, with a mix of
excitement and trepidation, our surfer aligns with the
upcoming swell. With determined strokes, they paddle
into its path. As the wave lifts, suddenly, they're
gliding! The world beyond fades away, leaving only the
rush of water beneath the board. As the ride concludes,
an insatiable thirst for more takes over. With newfound
confidence, our surfer heads back, perfectly
positioning for the next majestic wave, which promises
to be even grander. As they ride, playful dolphins arc
through the air nearby, adding magic to the moment. The
euphoria is indescribable! With the morning sun casting
a golden hue upon the ocean and fluffy clouds dotting
the horizon above a picturesque tropical shoreline, our
surfer feels a profound connection to the universe.
Movement IV: “Wipeouts” Regardless of expertise,
the ocean ensures that every surfer tastes its salty
embrace. A tumble rattles our surfer's confidence, but
determination swiftly resurfaces, beckoning another
attempt. This time, the descent is flawless, and a hint
of audacity emerges. Yet, the ocean has its way of
keeping pride in check. A fast-closing section ahead
necessitates a quick bailout. Resurfacing, a looming
wall of frothy white water threatens, demanding swift
evasion. The Herculean effort to outpace the
approaching foam tires our surfer, who then opts for
the gentler inside waves. These waves may be
diminutive, but the joy they offer rivals their
towering counterparts. However, overconfidence sneaks
in again. Attempting a daring nose ride on a modest
wave, our surfer loses balance, resulting in an almost
comical tumble. Regaining posture, a colossal wave
looms in the distance. With no escape route, our surfer
paddles fervently but is inevitably consumed by the
ocean's might. Ejected from its depths, a newfound
reverence for the sea's power is gained. Seeking
solace, our surfer drifts away from the turbulent
breaks. From this vantage, another surfer's tumble is
witnessed, drawing a knowing smile. Time ebbs away,
mirroring the dance of the waves.
Movement V: “One Last Wave…” As the sun paints
the sky with hues of gold and amber, signaling the
day's end, the beach lies deserted. Other surfers have
heeded the day's curtain call. Yet, our surfer yearns
for that one last wave. Surrendering to the call, they
catch the next beckoning wave, a ride as delightful as
any. Drawing closer to the shore, an irresistible
allure tugs them backward, the ocean whispering
promises of one more perfect wave. Pausing between the
allure of the waves and the beckoning shore, a decision
crystallizes. Drawn once more to the ocean's embrace, a
towering wave emerges, offering the ride of a lifetime.
Gliding effortlessly, our surfer dances upon its
pristine face, a smile of pure elation etched in the
moment. As the wave's energy wanes, signaling the end
of this enchanting dance, a deep sense of contentment
sets in. Lingering for a moment, the surfer lets the
day's memories wash over them - the exhilaration, the
surprises, and that final, sublime ride. While a hint
of melancholy tints the moment, a hopeful realization
dawns: the waves will return, and with them, another
chance to dance with the ocean. With a heart full of
gratitude, our surfer heads homeward, the horizon
promising tomorrow's adventures.
