CHRISTIAN KOLO

Burst explores the millions of explosions that happen every day around us. Whether a burst of excitement or passion, ideas bursting into fruition, fire bursting through destruction, or atoms once they collide, the constant transfer of energy is frightening and mesmerizing all at the same time. Showers of light blind our eyes, yet we resist the temptation to shut them.

In this piece, a great deal of inspiration is derived from the compositional minds of Richard Strauss and Gustav Mahler. As the themes and motifs rapidly present themselves, the listener is taken on a journey through mighty eruptions and flares of fervor. Later, the listener discovers beauty and hope as the majestic “sun theme” truly blossoms for the first time. This work can be divided into two sections, the chaotic destruction and the glorious awakening. The overarching structure can also be simplified into two chords (A: v-I), minor five (e minor) to Major one (A Major).

To me, this chord change represents a “new hope”, something that enlightens the way we experience everyday moments, turning them into an extraordinary Burst of life.