Nova

Background Note

A nova is an explosion from the surface of a white dwarf star in a binary star system. A nova occurs when the white dwarf, which is the dense core of a once-normal star, “steals” gas from its nearby companion star. When enough gas builds up on the surface of the white dwarf it triggers an explosion. For a brief time, the system can shine up to a million times brighter than normal. As long as it continues to take gas from its companion star, the white dwarf can produce nova outbursts at regular intervals. Without the outward pressure created by this energy, gravity wins out and causes the star’s core to collapse into its original form.

Program Note 

The opening starts with a beautiful horn call accompanied by the trombone and tuba in order to create the depiction of the dwarf star. Even though dwarf stars are the smallest they are heavy and dense. So the harmonies are big and full throughout the piece. As the horn call section ends it then goes into the dwarf's stars melody, which is a beautiful chorale. The chorale ends with fire and intensity as the horn call comes back and begins to expand the pieces. From here the star keeps getting more and more energy. Then when it reaches its climax the piece goes into cut time and the melody is the chorale theme but very big and open. This continues on as the dwarf star keeps the momentum and energy but there is a hint that it is losing its light. Finally, with the last big explosion of color and light, the star quickly comes back to its original form and subsides.