SKU: A0.971663

Beyond the Sky.  Flute trio (1st doubling piccolo and 3rd doubling alto flute).  Duration, 13 minutes.

1. Black Hole (3 min. 45 sec.)

2. A Crescent Moon, 1969 (3 min. 45 sec.)

3. SETI Ratio (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) (2 min.)

4. Quantum Waltz (3 min. 30 sec.)

The score and parts in this edition are arranged to be printed double-sided, with correct page turns.

Beyond the Sky is a celebration of space exploration and imagination. It is in many respects a symphonic work for flute trio, with the characteristics and order of the four movements resembling the structure of a classical symphony. As a child during the Space Race, I was immensely interested in both terrestrial- and extraterrestrial-exploration, and as I composed this music a half-century later it made the most sense to set the musical ideas in this manner. In the first movement, Black Hole, two contrasting themes are presented and immediately developed: a theme of polyphonic gestures, with a contrasting second theme of chordal-textured music. The characteristic and somewhat liquid sound of the flute trio in the second theme is especially evident. The static and evolving blocks of music represent the gravitational collection of matter by a black hole. The second movement, A Crescent Moon, 1969, celebrates astronaut Neil Armstrong's moonwalk in July 1969. This slow, lyrical movement possesses a nocturnal quality while features the alto flute as a solo instrument. The third movement, SETI Radio (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), is a slow through-composed scherzo. With piccolo, a high tessitura of the flute trio range is heard. The fourth movement is a dynamic Rondo Variations form. Quantum Waltz is just that, a small waltz where the music is developed with a recurring first section, alternating between new material.– Jeffrey Hoover

Jeffrey Hoover's compositions- music ranging from soloist to symphony orchestra -have received recognition through the Universal Edition/SMP Press Contemporary Composition Award, the prestigious Trieste prize, the international Luigi Russolo competition, awards from Mu Phi Epsilon, the Lancaster Fine Arts Festival, grants, publications fellowships and more than 20 commissions. He is a member of the ACME roster of Mu Phi Epsilon, recognized for distinguished achievement as a composer. One unique aspect of Hoover’s work is when he combines composition with his paintings, creating synergetic art that intrigues and captivate audiences and performers alike. His paintings are seen in exhibitions and in concerts where his paintings are projected while musicians perform his music. Hoover’s background as a performer includes both classical and jazz music, as saxophonist and conductor. His book The Arts and Society: Making New Worlds is published by Kendall Hunt Publishing.

Hoover was born on September 11, 1959, in Anderson, Indiana. He holds a Ph.D. in Fine Arts (Composition and Interdisciplinary Fine Arts) from Texas Tech University, as well as an M.M. and Bch.Sc. from Ball State University. His career in higher education has included both faculty and arts administration appointments.