PERUSALSCORE
Fearless
PERUSALSCORE
for chorus, chamber orchestra, and electronics
Gala Flagello
Program Note
Fearless (2025) sonically celebrates the joy of curiosity, the signicance of wonder, and the importance of both inward reection and outward exploration. Weaving text by the composer with quotes from American astronomer, librarian, naturalist, and educator Maria Mitchell and pioneering physicist and chemist Marie Curie, this work evokes hope and courage through shimmering timbres and lush choral moments. By lyrically connecting the local and the global, our immediate surroundings and the universe, Fearless illustrates how one person's discoveries and kindness can affect the world around them. Fearless was commissioned by the University of Nebraska Omaha in celebration of the 20th anniversary of their School of Music.
Text
All the things you are, Planted, rooted, grounded— Take in the vastness of the universe: e alchemy of goldenrod and honey, Of meadowlarks and agate, A chemistry of cottonwood and wonder.
Nothing in life is to be feared, It is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more So that we may fear less.
Notes on the Text and Attributions
“Do not look at stars as bright spots only. Try to take in the vastness of the universe.”
— Maria Mitchell (American astronomer, librarian, naturalist, and educator)
“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.”
—Marie Curie (pioneering physicist and chemist)
Nature elements included in this text allude to the natural beauty of Nebraska through its state symbols. ey are:
• Goldenrod: state ower
• Honey: nod to the state insect, the honeybee
• Meadowlark: state bird
• Agate: state rock
• Cottonwood: state tree
ank you to the University of Nebraska Omaha for commissioning Fearless and to Kinsmen Sound Studio for collaborating on the electronics for this work.
Instrumentation
Flute 1-2
Clarinet in Bb 1-2
Alto Saxophone 1-2
Horn in F 1-2
Trumpet in Bb 1-2 Trombone 1-2
Tuba
Percussion 1: Marimba, Vibraphone, Snare Drum
Percussion 2: Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Bass Drum
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SATB Chorus
Piano Electronics
Violin 1
Violin 2
Viola
Violoncello Contrabass
Duration: 5 minutes 30 seconds
Copyright © 2024 Gala Flagello (BMI). All Rights Reserved. Published by Just a eory Press | www.justatheorypress.com
Percussion 1
Percussion 2
Gala Flagello
percolating, inquisitive
percolating, inquisitive
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percolating, inquisitive
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With wonder q = 96 K a2 triumphant, lush
f triumphant, lush f triumphant, lush
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Flagello: Fearless Full Score JAT-110-039-FS