"Pangaea" is the name of the ancient theoretical single landmass which, over millions of years, split apart into the continents. To me, Pangaea provides a metaphor for the compositional process. As Pangaea contained the potential for the Earth we know, so the full palette of musical possibilities contains the potential for every piece of music. As inspirations rise to the surface, choices are made, and ideas are moved around, a score evolves. Yet that score is itself a "Pangaea"--only potential music, to be set into motion by the performers. The orchestral Pangaea journeys from the opening mass of dense sound to climactic fortissimo chords which explode into a final unison A--the orchestra's tuning pitch.