Carnival of Souls

Carnival of Souls is a work in three movements with a brief prelude, played without break, approximately eighteen minutes in duration. It is scored for conventional wind band with added low strings, harps, and electronics. The three movements were inspired by the three sections of Dante's Divine Comedy and their respective moods: "Inferno," "Purgatorio," and "Paradiso." The dramatic trajectory of Carnival of Souls is a progression upwards from dark, heavy textures representing spiritual bondage to the bright and lyrical content of the third movement. The relationship between the worldly--even sensual--materials of the beginning and the heavenly apotheosis of the end is more complex than one of simple opposition. As in Dante's poem, the most rarefied spiritual states are tempered by references to lived human experience; the progression toward a reconciliation of the musica mundana and musica humana is exemplified by the epigraphs of the first and third movements (below). Believe me, ill will it go with mortal women in that heaven of which thou speakest if only the spirits be more fair, for their lords will never turn to look upon them, and their Heaven will become their Hell. H. Rider Haggard, She The creature whose substance is bliss is everywhere at home. All sounds, even to the roaring of Lions, the screeching of the nightly Owls, the laments and groans of those entrapped in Hell, are as sweet Musick to her. All odours, even to the foulest stench of Corruption, are to her as the delight of roses and Lilies. All savours, even to the banquettable of the Harpys of heathen lore, are as Sweet loaves and spiced Ale. Wandering at noon through the Waste-Places of the world, it seems to her she is refreshed by Canopies of flocking Angels. . . . Thrust a keen Sword-blade through her and it will seem as a fountain of Divine and Pure pleasure. Jane Lead, The Wonders of God's Creation