Zodiac Symphonic Suite
I have always been interested in the zodiac signs, and how they correlate to personality traits based on what date you were born. For centuries, these signs have been used to identify the character traits, motivations and life approaches of a person. There are twelve different signs that are grouped into four separate zodiac elements. I have decided to compose an orchestral study on each of the zodiac elements—Fire, Water, Earth and Water.
I. Fire (Aires, Leo and Sagittarius)
These signs are said to be passionate, dynamic and temperamental. They are also known for being bold enthusiastic, and creative. I have written music that is rhythmically syncopated with fast moving gestures in each of the orchestral families. The music changes suddenly in mood to express the capricious character of the fire sign.
II. Water (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces)
Emotional, intuitive and nurturing are all characteristics of these signs. They are known for being deeply in touch with the subconscious, and having a strong sense of empathy and emotional depth. The music imitates the motion of water (much like a barcarole) with slow moving arpeggios in the strings with lyrical motion in the woodwinds.
III. Air (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius)
These signs are said to the intellectual, communicative and social. They are also known for being analytical thinkers and strong communicators. The texture of the music is floaty and ethereal with fast moving passages in the woodwinds. The strings soaring in the high registers to represent these three air signs.
IV. Earth (Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo)
Signs associated with earth are known for being grounded, practical and reliable. They can also be stubborn and unyielding. For this movement I have composed warm consonant harmonies played in the lower strings and swells in the brass to represent the grounding nature of these signs.
-Carlos Simon
Zodiac Symphonic Suite
20
for Orchestra
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra on June 6, 2025
Jacksonville Symphony and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
I have always been interested in the zodiac signs, and how they correlate to personality traits based on what date you were born. For centuries, these signs have been used to identify the character traits, motivations and life approaches of a person. There are twelve different signs that are grouped into four separate zodiac elements. I have decided to compose an orchestral study on each of the zodiac elements—Fire, Water, Earth and Water.
I. Fire (Aires, Leo and Sagittarius)
These signs are said to be passionate, dynamic and temperamental. They are also known for being bold enthusiastic, and creative. I have written music that is rhythmically syncopated with fast moving gestures in each of the orchestral families. The music changes suddenly in mood to express the capricious character of the fire sign.
II. Water (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces)
Emotional, intuitive and nurturing are all characteristics of these signs. They are known for being deeply in touch with the subconscious, and having a strong sense of empathy and emotional depth. The music imitates the motion of water (much like a barcarole) with slow moving arpeggios in the strings with lyrical motion in the woodwinds.
III. Air (Gemini, Libra and Aquarius)
These signs are said to the intellectual, communicative and social. They are also known for being analytical thinkers and strong communicators. The texture of the music is floaty and ethereal with fast moving passages in the woodwinds. The strings soaring in the high registers to represent these three air signs.
IV. Earth (Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo)
Signs associated with earth are known for being grounded, practical and reliable. They can also be stubborn and unyielding. For this movement I have composed warm consonant harmonies played in the lower strings and swells in the brass to represent the grounding nature of these signs.
-Carlos Simon