Reality Lies in the Eternal, concerto for quintet (flute, violin, viola, cello, percussion) and full orchestra:

I composed Reality Lies in the Eternal as a commission from Classical Jam and the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras.  Each of the five members of Classical Jam (flute, violin, viola, cello, and percussion) are given short cadenzas.  The quintet also has several passages where they play as one.  They asked me to write them something fast and virtuosic, so I didn’t hold back.  The soloists explore the outermost reaches of the instruments’ ranges and colors, and are often blazingly fast.   Because of the number of soloists and Classical Jam’s formidable virtuosity, the orchestra part mostly takes on a supporting role, though the brass and percussion each get to come forward in the middle of the piece.

The title is a reference to a concept familiar to many different world religions and spiritual disciplines.  That is, that the true nature of our existence lies in the eternal realms of thought and spirit.  Our physical bodies are simply transient manifestations of this reality.  This thought influenced my composing, resulting in a balance between dynamic, vigorous passages (our active physical life), and still, meditative sections (contemplation of the eternal).

In some performances additional people may join the orchestra on stage and read various texts.  The texts are chosen by the individuals and are important to each of them in some way that reflects the title of the piece.  The readers create a babbling, murmuring texture. 

Additionally, the audience may contribute to the overall soundscape of the work in several instances by snapping their fingers, rubbing their hands together, and humming a drone note.  All of these actions bring the music closer to the audience, hopefully offering a significant musical experience for them.