Stacy Garrop

Keyboard of the Winds

Stacy Garrop began hiking in northern Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park in her early 20s. From the start; she was drawn to a jagged stretch of rock formations linking Longs Peak to Pagoda Mountain; at over 13;000 feet. These formations are called the 'Keyboard of the Winds;' as their thin; spindly peaks suggest splintered keys of an old; broken piano. Inspired by one particular journey the composer took through the Keyboard of the Winds en route to Pagoda's summit; this work is a tribute to the Keyboard of the Winds. Its fast; whirling gestures depict swirling clouds above; and the musical high points represent a hiker reaching the peak of Pagoda Mountain. These sections are set in contrast with quiet; introspective material embodying the hiker quietly surveying the grandeur and beauty of the valley below; as well as the soaring pinnacle of Longs Peak overhead.