Golden Hour

Golden Hour, Cait Nishimura (2020) 6'
for solo with piano (multiple instrumentation versions available) 

The “golden hour” is the magical period of time just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and casts a beautiful, warm glow across the horizon. This piece was inspired by an exciting and rewarding journey through Yosemite National Park to reach the Glacier Point overlook before sundown. Driving up the steep mountain roads felt like a race against time, with the sunset already in progress. Along the way, we experienced jaw-dropping vistas over the edge of rocky cliffs; the colours in the sky shifted from vibrant blue and orange to hazy pink and purple. We drove through extensive areas of forest damaged by recent wildfires– a visceral reminder of the impacts of our changing climate and the need for balance in nature. When we arrived at the lookout, we were rewarded with a magnificent and exhilarating view of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley set against a glowing sky (as shown on the cover of this score!) It was perfect timing to witness the last moments of sunset before the sky faded calmly into dusk.

Golden Hour was first written for horn and piano before being transcribed for a variety of other solo instruments. A special thank you to Brian Barber for his significant contribution to Golden Hour’s piano part and to the development of my piano writing. 

Available versions:
Horn and piano
Trumpet and piano
Trombone and piano
Euphonium and piano
Tuba and piano
Clarinet and piano
Alto saxophone and piano