MAGMA AND ICE (2026)
MAGMA AND ICE is a programmatic orchestral work. There are two interpretations of the piece, but both portray the destructive results of power.
The Literal Take:
The piece describes the intense power of two opposing nature forces: magma and ice. The work begins with “magma” bubbling towards the surface of the Earth. After some build-up, there is an intense eruption with powerful octaves in the low voices. Meter changes express the surprise of such an explosion, while the quick, lilting melody rushes the molten rock to destroy all in its path. Once the initial eruption has passed, the “ice” section begins. Pizzicato, glissandi, and tremolos in the strings set the icy stage, and the piccolo soon joins with a cold octatonic melody. Underneath this melody, a Holst-esque ostinato builds tension. Suddenly, the ice “cracks” with the eruption motif followed by the octatonic line. This atonality and intensity paints the frigid and other-worldly picture of glacial destruction. After the ice has been explored, the two forces collide and create a chaotic texture in the ensemble. Finally, the newly-formed “steam” is released in the last four measures.
The Symbolic Take:
This work is a critique of U.S. politics in 2025-2026. MAGMA is the representation of MAGA (President Donald Trump), and ICE stands for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Much like the natural aspects, these two have been given destructive power that has been used to harm communities. The piece begins with scheming “bubbling” in the shadows. Suddenly, the American public is exposed to a mirage of lies, scandals, and hate. After the initial shock from the lows, the meter feels deliberately unpredictable, as if to keep the citizens from properly processing all of the information thrown towards them. New, shocking news is coming in consistently in the form of the octaves in the low voices, interrupting the norm. As the piece transitions to the “ICE” section, uneasy lines popcorn around the string section. Then, the low strings and timpani take over the war-themed, Holst-esque ostinato to portray the civil unrest. Soon, the piccolo enters with an eerie and cold melody which is then passed around the woodwinds. The unrest grows, and the news of violence against civilians causes great anger in the ensemble. This frustration grows into chaos. The texture of the piece becomes more chaotic as the attention turns to both “MAGMA” and “ICE” in retaliation. There is an abrupt stop, followed by three percussive hits symbolizing the gunshots fired at Renée Good and Alex Pretti. The ensemble erupts into a flurry of runs that quickly halts for the final chord.
Dur.: approx. 4 min.
*below is a MIDI recording
The Literal Take:
The piece describes the intense power of two opposing nature forces: magma and ice. The work begins with “magma” bubbling towards the surface of the Earth. After some build-up, there is an intense eruption with powerful octaves in the low voices. Meter changes express the surprise of such an explosion, while the quick, lilting melody rushes the molten rock to destroy all in its path. Once the initial eruption has passed, the “ice” section begins. Pizzicato, glissandi, and tremolos in the strings set the icy stage, and the piccolo soon joins with a cold octatonic melody. Underneath this melody, a Holst-esque ostinato builds tension. Suddenly, the ice “cracks” with the eruption motif followed by the octatonic line. This atonality and intensity paints the frigid and other-worldly picture of glacial destruction. After the ice has been explored, the two forces collide and create a chaotic texture in the ensemble. Finally, the newly-formed “steam” is released in the last four measures.
The Symbolic Take:
This work is a critique of U.S. politics in 2025-2026. MAGMA is the representation of MAGA (President Donald Trump), and ICE stands for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Much like the natural aspects, these two have been given destructive power that has been used to harm communities. The piece begins with scheming “bubbling” in the shadows. Suddenly, the American public is exposed to a mirage of lies, scandals, and hate. After the initial shock from the lows, the meter feels deliberately unpredictable, as if to keep the citizens from properly processing all of the information thrown towards them. New, shocking news is coming in consistently in the form of the octaves in the low voices, interrupting the norm. As the piece transitions to the “ICE” section, uneasy lines popcorn around the string section. Then, the low strings and timpani take over the war-themed, Holst-esque ostinato to portray the civil unrest. Soon, the piccolo enters with an eerie and cold melody which is then passed around the woodwinds. The unrest grows, and the news of violence against civilians causes great anger in the ensemble. This frustration grows into chaos. The texture of the piece becomes more chaotic as the attention turns to both “MAGMA” and “ICE” in retaliation. There is an abrupt stop, followed by three percussive hits symbolizing the gunshots fired at Renée Good and Alex Pretti. The ensemble erupts into a flurry of runs that quickly halts for the final chord.
Dur.: approx. 4 min.
*below is a MIDI recording
See this link for a physical copy:
www.jwpepper.com/magma-and-ice-11698928-2830913/
www.jwpepper.com/magma-and-ice-11698928-2830913/