Intrusive Thoughts

instrumentation: orchestra (3333, 4331, 5 percussion, piano, + strings)
duration: c. 1’30”
dedication: to Professor Kimcherie Lloyd and Dr. Steve Rouse
premiere: November 8th, 2017 by the University of Lousiville’s University Symphony Orchestra; Fall Concert-Louisville, KY

An
 Intrusive Thought
is a common symptom included in a variety of diagnoses pertaining to fixation. More specifically, it is "an unwelcome involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession." This collection of mental invasions can afflict through hyper-specific situations or pervasively vague mental attitudes or atmospheres. Intrusive Thoughts is an attempted depiction of the continuous anxiety provoked by these unrelenting ideas.