Caprice of Nature depicts the multiple facets of Mother Nature, who is ever so enigmatic and dynamic. The short opening passage speaks of the mystery behind nature. Without warning, the forces of nature sweep all into the allegro passage, where the main theme is introduced. Irregular and changing time signatures throughout portray the erratic, unpredictable behaviour of nature. The coda recapitulates the main theme, this time as a stately procession with a steady 2/2 time signature, illustrating mankind’s reverence of the simultaneously creative and destructive potential of nature. During the final recapitulation of the main theme, the entire wind section plays in unison, but yet in microtones apart. The result is a grand, uplifting ode for Mother Nature, but stimulating a degree of discomfort and provoking thought in the listener. The work is characterised by the use of the orchestra to make both musicians and audience feel one with nature. Uncommon percussion instruments such as the thunder drum and rain stick are used, while other percussion and ensemble instruments employ techniques which mimic the sounds of nature, setting the stage for an immersive experience.
然界畅想