Scenes From Gabrilim

Abstract

Scenes from Gabrilim is an orchestral tone poem inspired by my friend Emily Cohen's novel, working title Gabrilim. The story is set in a fantasy world with strong ancient-Hebraic influences. It follows the courses of several main characters as they grow, interact, experience different cultures and ultimately reform their society. In Scenes from Gabrilim, I have associated certain melodies, chord progressions, and leitmotifs with characters, places, and events in the story. In Cohen's novel, Gabrilim's culture is made-up, but inspired by ancient Hebrew society. I have reflected this in the music by absorbing the musical style of Jewish cantoring and ancient Hebrew chant and then making up my own melodies inspired by that style. Each of the main characters has a recurring theme that draws from this ancient musical heritage while also reflecting the character's personality and the fantasy aspect of the novel.