Kugelblitz for alto saxophone and viola by Roger Zare

Written for and performed by Jarita Ng, viola, and Joe Girard, saxophone in Duncan Hall at Rice University, Houston, Texas, 3/9/13.
Kugelblitz literally translates to "ball lightning," but in this case I am refering to the word as an astrophysics term. It is an incredibly immense concentration of energy that becomes so intense that it collapses in on itself and becomes a black hole. While this is just a theoretical occurrence, my mind is blown just trying to imagine such an unfathomable amount of energy existing in such a small space and the catastrophic result that destroys and traps this energy forever. While writing Kugelblitz, I envisioned this energy gradually welling and growing out of the ether of space. The opening is ethereal and mysterious, with long amorphous lines in the saxophone over a blanket of harmonics in the viola. The energy gradually builds and the music accelerates, surging forth in waves. At the end, the two frenetic instruments lift off the ground and then disappear with a flash.
for more information, please visit www.rogerzare.com/kugelblitz.htm

[@torilewis7908]

It's so intense. Thank you for this amazing moment. Such an incredible feeling. It must be so powerful for the players

[@MichaelAusserbauer]

A very thoughtful and intense piece of music. I love the colours, when viola and alto are blending. Very witty and inventive. And I hear a deep understanding for the saxophone. And I also hear some far away echos of Debussy's Rhapsodie. Thank you, this lights up my day. Well, night in fact :-)

[@christophercreviston8308]

Very nice writing, Roger!

[@rogerjzare]

Thanks so much!

[@fanzel3251]

This is amazing. I play both instruments, and i was wondering by any chance if you had sheet music:

[@rogerjzare]

Thanks! You can see a sample of the score at www.rogerzare.com/kugelblitz.htm as well as purchase it

[@fanzel3251]

Roger Zare thank you so much!

[@iaf4454]

@@rogerjzare hi!! Is there any possiblity to write to you? i am a student and violist and i would like to know if you can send me the score

[@rogerjzare]

@@iaf4454 I'm happy to communicate via email, which you can find at www.rogerzare.com/contact.htm