Ocean Depths: An Underwater Adventure

An action-packed underwater odyssey as performed by pianist Michael Schneider.

Ocean Depths was originally composed as a dance piece for full orchestra. It was first danced to in 2007 by Cleveland’s contemporary dance company Verb Ballets. The CD case features a special 3D moving image of the boat in the Ocean Depths story.

Movement I: Our Story begins in the predawn moonlight, as an evil carrier bird swoops down over a large three mast sail boat and casts magical dust over the scene and thus secures the story’s destiny. At sunrise the boat’s passengers are merrily performing their morning chores and activities. Their princess, Labartisha, is on the deck cheerfully helping them with the morning work. There is much merrymaking and dancing. A storm arises and the princess falls into the ocean and disappears. Down on the ocean bottom, Princess Labartisha lands on a dimly lit plateau. Her unexpected presence startles the underwater inhabitants and many eerie ocean dwellers cautiously approach her. As their initial fears subside, she is befriended by the ocean inhabitants. On a routine scouting mission, Prince Shureel feels an alteration of the waters. As he approaches the plateau, the beauty of the princess overpowers him. With their aquatic friends around them, they dance.

Movement II: The sound of a distant fanfare pierces the water as a scouting troop from the evil King Sookar’s kingdom approaches and a battle ensues. When the battle ends, Princes Labartisha, Prince Shureel and their aquatic friends embark on a journey to King Nasad’s underwater castle. Darkness falls as the march begins to King Nasad’s underwater castle through murkiness and gloom. Finally, the light of the castle breaks the darkness as the castle is reached. The castle occupants herald the newcomers and there is much celebrating and dancing. As all good things must eventually end, so does the festivity. The castle and its occupants begin to waver and fade. The castle disappears and Princess Labartisha finds herself back on the boat. Is that Prince Shureel there with her too?

Additional Info

CD Total Length: 21 minutes
Release Date: 2009
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Shipping: Free First Class shipping included in purchase price!