Transformation
CONCERTO FOR SOLO OBOE & ORCHESTRA | 18’ | DIFFICULTY - HARD | 2022
Live recording coming soon…
VIEW SCORE
PDF Full Set (Piano Reduction Included)
Reflection. Reconciliation. Reawakening. In my eyes, these are the components that are required to emotionally grow from one state of mind to another. Whatever is being ‘transformed’ — perhaps a relationship with someone, or an internal struggle — requires the contemplation of needed improvement, time needed to resolve the circumstance, which will result in a revitalization within the situation.
The concept for Transformation was inspired by my own experience in dealing with generalized anxiety. In 2020, when much of the world shut down because of COVID-19, I knew I had extra time to really face the general anxiety head-on. A friend of mine recommended I try the Wim Hof method, which is a scientifically proven method to increase the health, happiness, and strength of every human. It involves three core components: regular breathing exercises, exposure to cold water, and mindset/commitment. In a sentence, it’s about finding comfort in discomfort.
There are massive physiological effects from both the breathing exercises alone, but in conjunction with the cold water exposure, in time, my anxiety practically disappeared. The first time I sat in a tub of ice water, I could feel the anxiety surging through my body. I was so afraid of just being cold. But, through deep breathing and facing the anxiety head on through the cold exposure, I gradually taught my body that stressors don’t have to be terrifying. It logically makes sense, but it was a matter of teaching my body this concept.
The cold water was like a mirror to my soul. It made me realize how anxious I really was underneath the strong façade. Every ice bath (and every deep breath) allowed me to reconcile with myself, realizing that so much anxiety I had was put upon my own shoulders. I did it to myself. Fast forward many months, and now the cold water is one of the highlights of my day. It’s energizing. It’s strengthening. And now, my former anxiety is essentially destroyed. All through the power of deep breathing and exposing my body to cold water.
Through reflection, through reconciliation, and through allowing oneself to reawaken in a happier state of being, any amount of growth and transformation is possible.
Commissioned and Premiered by the Euclid Symphony Orchestra with Joshua Lauretig, oboist.