Composer’s Note:

The title “Prendendo Fuoco” refers to the arc of the piece itself, as a metaphor for the arc reflected so much in nature, and in the lives of individuals. The piece begins with a broad mystical “smoldering” musical fabric, that has a veiled and indistinct character, marked “with great calm.” Gradually from this, the piano emerges with a strong “statement of purpose,” with a lyrical “Ballad.” This gives way to passages that “dance,” with “sweeping energy” and “playfully.” This gives way to a quiet reflective passage, which is really just the “Quiet before the storm.” An “Incendiary” firestorm then follows, where things really do “catch fire.” This single arc proceeds from quiet mystery to burning energy.