9’30”
composed 2012
composed for and premiered by the Western Oregon University wind ensemble (Monmouth, Oregon)
Composer’s Note
Within the scientific field of quantum mechanics exists the theory of the "multiverse," otherwise known as "multiple reality theory." The basic concept of this theory is that every possible choice in our lives results in alternate realities in which the choices that we don't make in fact do come to pass. This theory has been represented in numerous science-fiction and fantasy stories, with some of the more commonly known examples existing in popular science fiction television (such as "evil" Spock from Star Trek, in which the alternate-reality version of Spock is adorned with a rather sinister goatee).
Fearful Possibilities is a two-movement work for wind ensemble that examines personal fears and doubts regarding the possibility of multiple realities. The first movement, titled "Schrödinger and his Cat," directly refers to the "Schrödinger's Cat" experiment that helps explain the basics of quantum mechanics. An explanation of the experiment follows: A cat is placed in a sealed box in which there is no possible escape. A vile of poison is placed in the box as well. Finally, a radioactive trigger is placed in the box that, over the course of one hour, will have a fifty-fifty chance of breaking the vile of poison and killing the cat. After one hour of time, it will be impossible to know if the cat is alive or dead. So, without looking inside the box, one must conclude that the cat exists in a state in which it is both alive and dead. The experiment demonstrates how two possible realties can exist simultaneously. Only by opening the box and examining the cat will one actual reality be set - one where the cat is either alive or dead.
(This experiment, much like the "multiverse" theory, has also become common "sci-fi fodder" in recent years.)
While I have certainly enjoyed many stories that utilize this particular theory as a plot device, the possibility of this being real - that every possible choice in my life has happened in another reality - terrifies me. There could be a reality in which I have made the worst possible choices or, conversely, a reality that demonstrates I could have made better ones. It is not something that I think of fondly. Thus, the first movement represents these personal feelings of anxiety and fear.
In contrast, the second movement, titled "Mourning Infinity," represents coming to terms with one's own fixed reality. While quantum mechanics may explain the possibility of multiple realities, we live in only one. Thus, I have written a dirge as the second movement to represent a personal mourning of all the possibilities that could have been.
Composed for the Western Oregon University Wind Ensemble, Ike Nail, director.