All-encompassing Snapshots (2023, rev. 2025)

Written for the MDR Sinfonieorchester, with conductor Michael Wendeberg.

The oxymoron in the title refers to a feeling of inner unrest and urgency created by the desire to obtain a boundless and all-encompassing impression of a certain situation; a necessity to almost “inhale” everything surrounding in a direct and visceral way.

It is in particular this idea of vigorously, almost spasmodically inhaling that plays a central role in this piece, as it is being musically transferred very expressively onto the whole orchestra.

The musically represented physical gestures range between deep and robust lunge-filling inhalations, restless and convulsive gasps and frantic but hesitant exhalations.

There are also some moments in which the actual sound of an analogue photo camera is being represented and orchestrated. This creates a contrast between the forceful breaths and the simplicity of capturing a photograph. The act of taking a picture with the photo camera itself represents an attempt of channeling that very feeling of urgency.

2025 revised version