Music archive entry

In August of 2003, Mars reached its closest approach to Earth in about 59,620 years. This forms the initial theme for this piece, which consists of the simple telling of the approaching of Mars, the god of war.

Mars, the Planet, is dry and arid - much like many of the deserts found throughout central Asia. For that reason, I chose a wind quintet and often featured the use of the double reed instruments with a haunting melody to try to invoke the feeling of a desert or at least nomadic life.

The approach of Mars is signified by a change to a minor key and an increasing sense of urgency. The storm clouds of war gather and break over everything. But Mars is old. The youthful delights that once he took in the exploits of war now easily tire him and his passion quickly drains away. Fear and foreboding subside. Calmness returns. The idyllic joy again spreads as Mars fades away into the distance.

The numbers 5, 9, 6, 2, and 0, derived from the title, play an important part in developing the intervals used in certain sections of this piece.