Le silence éternel de ces espaces infinis m'effraie (The eternal silence of these infinite spaces frightens me) is the title of an etching by the French symbolist artist Odilon Redon. Charles Darwin's theories of evolution had recently been published, challenging a fundamental belief in creationism, the role of the Church in people's lives, and even the very existence of God. Redon's image explores this evolutionary theme. He depicts a proto-human at the top of a peak in a barren wasteland. It is clearly about to rise from all fours to assume an upright position; at the same time its face is raised heavenward, looking towards the sun, but the sun is obscured by clouds. The figure is completely alone. Evolution has replaced salvation.

eternal silence . . . infinite spaces is inspired by this image, and musically explores the possibility of reaching out to heaven and finding nothing there. As our deepest-held beliefs are shattered by the utter silence of nothingness, our breath sharpens and our hearts pound in our ears. In a terrible moment, time comes to a grinding halt. Profound terror is transformed to panic in a macabre dance, which then turns to emptiness and loss as the world we once knew drifts forever out of reach.