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The Dawn WAll 

Premiered by the 

UT New Music Ensemble

Ben Stonaker, Conductor

May 1, 2015

Duration: 9 Minutes

 

Instrumentation:

1,1,1,1/1,1,1/2 Perc./Pno/

Strings (1 on a part)

 

 

     The Dawn Wall is the southeastern face of the infamous El Capitan rock formation in Yosemite National Park. The Dawn Wall has long been considered one of the most difficult rock climbs in the world due to its sheer face and steep angle. However, recently, Tommy Caldwell and Kevin Jorgeson were able to free climb the entire face in a little under three weeks using nothing but their hands and feet. (The rope they were attached to was there for safety purposes only and not to aid in the climb.) I watched them complete this incredible achievement live online and was inspired by these two mens’ dedication and skill. I subsequently set out to write a piece that captures a day in Yosemite climbing the Dawn Wall. 

     We begin with the quiet sounds of morning as the sun begins creeping up over the horizon. After the intense sunrise illuminates the Dawn Wall, we size up the rock face and plot our course. Assured of our path, we begin our ascent of the wall without looking back. Our climb is not without a few slips and stumbles along the way, but eventually, we make it to the summit of the Dawn Wall and revel not only in the beauty of Yosemite but also in the beauty of achieving once thought impossible goals.

 

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