Sky Above Clouds is a symphonic poem for wind ensemble inspired by Georgia O’Keefe’s iconic painting Sky Above Clouds IV that has been exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago since the 1970’s. Her largest work ever created, it depicts repetitive cloud forms seen from an airplane that stretch towards an infinite horizon. Striking not only for its overwhelming size but also its bold and harmonious composition, my work seeks to capture these qualities as well as the dramatic and exciting Chicago skyline that the painting calls home. Utilizing an altered triple chaconne form, a slowly evolving and repetitive harmonic progression is joined by the voice of the lonely traveler represented by soprano saxophone. This melody and harmony build towards a massive cadence only to suddenly transition to the angular rhythms of Chicago’s modernist architecture. An energetic finale blends both of these skyward views together as the brilliant orange hues of the horizon blaze in the distance. This work is dedicated to the American Bandmasters Association with the world premiere at the 91st ABA Convention, Chicago, Illinois. The composition was written in memory of composer Ron Nelson (1929-2023).
-notes by the composer, Summer 2025, Fort Collins, Colorado