Dark Energy (2022)

orchestra (2.2.2.2 - 4.2.3.1 - timp - 1perc - harp - strings)
c. 7 mins

According to our current understanding of physics, the universe should be expanding at a decelerating rate. Instead, however, the universe is expanding faster and faster. The cause of this accelerating expansion is “dark energy”, a mysterious force that seems to act as a sort of anti-gravity. We do not know what dark energy is, but it makes up a staggering 68% of mass in the universe.

Dark energy is the inspiration for this piece of the same name. It lasts approximately seven minutes in a single movement and is intended to capture a sense of acceleration and expansion. The primary material expands outwards from a central point, informed by a sequence known as the infinity series. Dark Energy was composed for the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as part of the 2022-23 Australian Composers’ School.