Worlds Five is the last in my series of extended works designed for deep listening and mindfulness. Where Worlds One, Two and Four are largely reflective in character and Worlds Three is dark and disturbing, Worlds Five has emerged as rhythmic, aggressive, yet ultimately optimistic in tone. It is also the shortest of the cycle, contrary to my initial design for an extended final movement.

Originally conceived in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Moon landings, Worlds has become instead a work with multiple meanings; the project, like the world we live in, turned upside down by international conflict, population displacements, climate crises, pandemics and economic turmoil. It may be seen as a sonic space into which to escape, or through which to connect more holistically with who we are and what we wish to become.

Images (in order of appearance): Matt Seymour, Mishal Ibrahim, Zachary Keimig, Colin LLoyd, Minha Baek, Nathan Mullet