The operating theme is dark and ominous; it sets the tragic mood of the piece.  Following this idea, I quote a sad but lyrical Ukrainian folk tune that describes a person walking in a graveyard they have come here to visit a loved one.  The tempo suddenly quickens, and the music becomes very rhythmic, creating a rather chaotic atmosphere.  The music reflects the mechanical sound of the nuclear reactor.  The folk tune has taken on a different character here.  It no longer is lyrical and is supported by jarring harmonies.  The music signals the reactor’s first explosion at its first climax.  Following this explosion, the music becomes very quiet, and slows down.  Here, the folk tune essentially has exploded into little fragments creating a kind of pointillistic texture.  At this point, the music represents the invisible, yet fatal radioactive particles that are poisoning the atmosphere.  The tempo builds up once again, and the music moves towards the second climax signaling the second explosion.  Here, I quote a sacred chant from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, asking God for forgiveness.

The Piece ends with the reappearance of the opening material, setting a mood that questions the future of our planet.

Larysa Kuzmenko / December 2008