Blue Cathedral, Jennifer Higdon

Listening Guide
00:00
00:14
00:39

01:31

02:18
03:07
04:22
04:51

07:11
07:31
08:04

08:16

09:00
09:30
11:22

Bell-like chimes serve as an introduction, symbolizing an opening into something

new. They are played almost as a welcoming.
The slow tempo of the strings contributes uncertainty and hesitation to explore
beyond what already exists within the piece.
The trombone in the background is the first sign of the piece venturing into a
wider range of sound. This could be a physical representation of the beginning of
a search for a bigger purpose or at least something bigger than what already
exists.
The flute appears as a main solo voice.
The clarinet responds to the flute, which leads to the beginning of a dialogue.
In contrast to the previous dissonant chords, the tune at 01:51 is distinctly major
and consonant. The pleasant-sounding melody is joyful, positive, and hopeful.
The melody continues to maintain its lyricalness and smoothness. The rhythm
keeps to its steady tempo.
The virtuosity in the dialogue seems to explore its surroundings. The tempo
eventually gradually increases to a climax.
The violins come in with a step-like, gradually ascending movement, still
accompanied by the flute and clarinet.
This is the climax. The horns in the background announce the closing and
opening of a new motive, while the strings are playing on full volume.
The piece returns back to a slow, steady rhythm set by metallic-sounding
instruments in the background.
The clarinet now plays solo, which sounds dissonant and feels hesitant. There is a
feeling of isolation and loneliness without the flute accompaniment. The slow
tempo seems to signify deep, individual contemplation.
The continuously ascending motion of the strings suggests a sense of looking
forward to the future.
The jagged melody played by the strings creates tension. The sporadic chimes
between the cello adds to the build-up of the suspense.
The wind instruments in the background that play extremely quickly descending
scales suggest a struggle of some sort. Because there is no dialogue between two
instruments like before, this struggle seems to be internal.
The rushed quality of the rapid, jagged, step-like notes in the trumpet melody
feels frantic and depicts imagery of flying.
The string immediately imitates the melody, demonstrating timbre.
All the strings play at once to create a grandeur feeling.
The rhythm finally slows down and breathes. There is a return back to an
exploration, discovery quality through the clarinet.
For the first time in the piece, the piano is distinctly heard. It repeatedly plays the
same few two notes together as if to foreshadow the ending to the song.
The final addition of the chimes (similar to how the song began) completes Blue
Cathedral with a sense of closure.