Gary D. Ziek

River of Fire

Pele is the Hawaiian goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes. According to legend, she lives in Kilauea, one of the worlds most active volcanoes. The chant of her devotees while Kilauea spews lava and fire into the sky is the basis of this composition. The first of four connected sections is Tribute, where the chant starts as a solo voice that adds weight to the chant with each repetition. The Awakening begins with an ominous mood that builds to an explosive climax as Pele wakes and reveals herself in full glory. March to the Sea comes at a faster tempo as two themes, creator and destroyer, interweave during Peles unyielding journey to the ocean, reaching fever pitch as Fire Meets Water.