Deep Blue Ocean (2010)
for two pianos

Duration: ca. 12'00"
Instrumentation: two pianos
Written for Stephen Gosling and Blair McMillen of the American Modern Ensemble
Premiere: American Modern Ensemble, Powerhouse Pianists II concert, Stephen Gosling and Blair McMillen, pianos, June 24 & 25, 2010, Faust Harrison Pianos, New York, NY, USA
Publisher: Robert Paterson Music (ASCAP)

 

Audio Excerpt | Score Excerpt [PDF] | Purchase Music

Although Deep Blue Ocean is not meant to be overtly programmatic, I thought it would be wonderful to explore the oceanic depths, so during a trip to the Gulf of Mexico I became a certified scuba diver. I was truly inspired, whether by the large rolling waves on the open sea, the delicate back and forth of beds of seaweed, the vibrant colors of fish clustering around cities of coral, or the beams of sunlight that cascade over the ocean’s surface.

I was also inspired by my four year old son Dylan: his name means ocean or god of the seas in Welsh; he is an Aquarius, which means the water bearer; he is an excellent swimmer, and he loves listening to a movement of one of my choral works entitled Infinite Oceans.

While writing this piece, I could not have known that the worst oil spill in U.S. history would occur just north of where I visited. The darker moments in this work are the result of this tragedy. It is in three connected movements: The Darkness Below; Sunbeams and Waterfalls, and Accents and Waves.

Deep Blue Ocean is written for Steven Gosling and Blair McMillen of the American Modern Ensemble and is dedicated to my son Dylan.

– Robert Paterson

 

 

Reviews and Quotes

Seen and Heard International Concert Review of the world premiere on the American Modern Ensemble's Powerhouse Pianists II Concert:

“Robert Paterson, the AME’s artistic director, was represented by the beautiful first movement of Deep Blue Ocean, in which subtle, dense groups of chords gradually ascend to the upper regions of the keyboard. In sad irony, the work was inspired by the composer’s trip to the Gulf Coast, now dominating the news as the site of the worst oil spill in United States history."

 

 

 

On The American Modern Ensemble's Powerhouse Pianists II Concert:

 

“I loved the concert and your work especially, it was very moving, highly skilled and very colorful, bravo!! Can't wait to hear it again.”