The New York Philharmonic Orchestra performed the world premiere of "Odna Zhizn (A Life )" by alumnus Christopher Rouse (Ph.D. '77) earlier this month.

"'Odna Zhizn' is a biographical picture of someone very near and dear to me," said Rouse, "and because she is of Russian extraction, I gave my piece a Russian name."

"Zhizn" is cast in one movement with three parts. The first section, using tonal language, portrays the innocence of childhood -- but with rumblings that point to a future fraught with pain. The music then turns into a whirlwind of dissonant, astringent harmonies, reflecting danger and suffering. Finally, calm is restored.

Previously, Rouse's Pulitzer Prize-winning Trombone Concerto was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for principal trombonist Joseph Alessi, as was "Seeing," featuring Emanuel Ax; and Musical America recently named him 2009 Composer of the Year, saying, "Few composers have written as skillfully for orchestra. ... His self-described 'off-the-wall inventiveness' has thrilled audiences worldwide."