Alexandra Gardner’s concerto for alto saxophone, Time Unfolding, with the Rowan University Wind Ensemble in Pfleeger Concert Hall.

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Time Unfolding is inspired by the captivating images of galaxy and star formation from NASA’s James Webb Telescope. The composition explores the profound implications of the nature of time, considering that the images, captured using infrared light, traveled billions of light years and provide glimpses into the early stages of the universe.

Each of the three movements is named for a method to capture information about the substance of stars and galaxies. The exuberant, bubbling opening movement, “Abundance Ratio,” quantifies the amounts of individual elements in stars. In the slower, ethereal middle movement, “Infrared,” I imagine the saxophone as a laser beam illuminating its surroundings as it sweeps through its full sonic range. “Metallicity” tracks the heavier metal elements in stars and nebulas; the final movement is a forceful, driving groove with racing passages for the saxophone and an explosive finish.

This music is dedicated to my father, who transitioned to stardust during the composition of this work.