Pastorale Variations is inspired by the idealized worlds we’re often fed through media such as children’s books, fantasy movies, and videogames. These worlds are an escape from reality and often inform our collective idealization of what an empathetic and magical world could be like to live in. Theme: Pastorale A heartfelt pastorale is the theme and basis for the work, representing the wonder that exists as one explores a fantasy world for the first time. Variation I: Scherzando A short scherzo, this variation is very playful and lively with lots of colors popping through. A glimpse into endless exploration. Variation II: Lullaby A sweet lullaby, inspired by the magical feelings of night in these fantasy worlds that we escape to. There is so much safety here. Variation III: Stormy, disjunct The ideal worlds we escape to don’t always match up with reality and we’re often forced to reconcile that we don’t live in them. Variation IV: Nostalgic The pastorale is reprised but with a fresh perspective this time. Could we use the worlds we revisit so often in our media to inform our lives and how to build a more empathetic reality?