Michael Boyman

Tightrope Walker

Tightrope Walker is my first piece for full orchestra. Given the large forces available to me; I wanted to write something exciting; colorful and visceral. I remembered back to when I was a kid going to see the Cirque du Soleil. That trip made a big impression on me; especially the high wire performers. These were artists performing super-human feats high in the air; where even the slightest mistake guaranteed a fatal ending. This idea of danger; of risking one's life to entertain an audience has stayed with me; and Tightrope Walker is my attempt at recreating that special childhood experience. The opening of the piece hints at what's to come - a steady; walking pulse interrupted by missteps in the woodwinds. These missteps increase until the entire orchestra comes crashing down - not a good sign for our Tightrope Walker. The tempo slows and the atmosphere becomes tense. The primary themes of the piece are presented in fragments; most notably the Tightrope Walker's theme in the horns. The orchestra gradually recovers from the previous fall; becoming more lively and coherent until the original; faster tempo is restored. We are now at the circus; excited and expectant; and the fragmentary themes heard previously are now presented in their full forms. The anticipation builds until we hear a solo drum roll - the main act is about to begin. The second half of the piece depicts the Tightrope Walker performing for his audience. But from the outset; as in the beginning of the piece; we hear there are problems. The pressure mounts; the audience clamoring for more; until Tightrope Walker comes to a decisive and potentially fatal end. --Michael Boyman