Commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck, Music Director, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring. Because the book is "almost all science," Stucky says, he instead chose four books by Carson (including Silent Spring) as the base for his contemplative composition.


Instrumentation:
3 Flutes (3 also Picc. 1, 2 also Alto Flute), Piccolo, 2 Oboes, English Horn, Eb Clarinet, 2 Clarinets in Bb, Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 4 Horns in F, 3 Trumpets in C, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (4 players):, 1. Glockenspiel, Vibraphone, Chimes, 2. Xylophone, Crotales, Suspended Cymbal, 3. Tom-toms, Snare Drum, Tam-tam, 4. Bass Drum, Bongos, Tambourine, Harp, Piano (also Celesta), Strings