In Diné (Navajo) tradition, music is a powerful tool for restoration, used to bless and heal not just individuals but the world around them. Just as the Navajo people sing to weavings to bless and restore their energy, Restoration draws on this philosophy, using the unique voice of the carillon to symbolize the process of achieving balance and harmony.
The piece begins with gestures that evoke sound waves emanating from the instrument, setting the foundation for a theme that transforms throughout. This theme undergoes various rhythmic treatments, shifting through time signatures before ultimately finding equilibrium. The upper bells serve as a source of renewal, decorating and re-energizing the theme in the lower bells with shimmering, high tones. Tremolo sections weave blessings into the soundscape, creating moments of reflection and connection. By the conclusion, the themes converge in balance and unity, offering a sonic reflection of the healing process.
