Reið (Raidō) is the sixth in a cycle of chamber pieces I have been composing for the last several years where each work is associated with a specific ancient Runic symbol. “Reið (Raidō)” directly translates to “ride” or “journey”. A journey on horseback is implied, but this can also be interpreted as an experience which connects this life with the afterlife, or this realm with other realms of existence or consciousness. The repetitive and percussive nature of a galloping horse is often further associated with shamanic drumming that accompanies certain primordial esoteric practices….and is evoked by the repetitive constant plucked articulations of the harp and the beating of the various skinned drums, while the wide assortment of microtonal metallic percussion sounds provides the mood an atmosphere of this transcendental experience. In this dramatic representation of both an ancient and futuristic ritual, these various tunings and timbres are utilized through a carefully controlled harmonic, motivic, and formal personal language, that unifies structure and architecture with intensity and expression. Dedicated to Clara and Richard, “Duo Interconnections”.