Op. 6
K2
for Symphony Orchestra
Fifth-Place Winner of the 2020 Austin Symphony Texas Young Composers Competition
2020 || Difficulty 6 || 7.5 minutes (238 bars)
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Piccolo, 2 Flutes, 2 Oboes, English Horn, 2 Clarinets, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones (1 Bass Trombone), Tuba, Celesta, Harp, Timpani, 4 Percussionists, Strings
Premiere: June 16th, 2022 by the Austin Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Peter Bay.
Located on the border between China and Pakistan, K2 stands as the second highest mountain in the world. It is regarded by many climbers as the hardest mountain on Earth to summit, claiming the lives of over a quarter of those who attempt it. Unpredictable avalanches and fierce winds characterize the sheer cliff faces of K2, with the notorious “Bottleneck” being the most challenging stretch.
The second section of the piece briefly features the “dies irae” motif, which originates from 13th century Gregorian monks, and is attributed to death itself. Screeching strings and rhythmically punctuated brass represent the grueling climb to the peak of K2, while the lush voice of the oboe speaks to the beauty of the towering mountain. Think snow, ice, frigid wind, and the feeling of ascending to the top of the world.