The title, taken from a poem by W.B. Yeats, originally evoked the emotions of that poem: loss, longing, and resignation.  For there to be a final Phoenix, the others must have somehow broken free from their cycle of rebirth, no longer igniting the heavens to challenge the sun.  However, though this piece was initially intended as an exploration of sadness, it grew instead into an exultation of joy. As extreme as the pain of watching the final Phoenix flicker and die would be, the euphoria of watching its rebirth must be even more profound.  Instead of an ultimate death, this piece depicts the death, rebirth, and youth of the last Phoenix, ending with its first flight. 

Recording of premiere, April 5th 2013. The MSM Symphony, Conducted by David Gilbert.

Art by Shira Brooks