The Denver Arts & Venues Public Art Program commissioned an original musical composition from Denver composer Kevin T. Padworski. The composition is played on the Denver City and County Building’s 10-bell chime, with the corresponding notes of: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, B flat, C, and D. The composition, titled “Ascent”, acts as a signature piece for Denver; something that identifies Denver to residents and visitors. The composition is celebratory in nature (e.g., uplifting, lively, positive) and evokes the booming, elevated spirit of Denver. The composition announces important events that take place in the City and County Building and adjacent Civic Center Park. The complete composition can be played in it's entirety, and/or shorter segments can temporarily replace the Westminster Chimes that ring throughout the day, on the hour (20 seconds) and quarter hour (5 seconds) on significant and special days for the City of Denver. Padworkski’s composition was transposed into a MIDI format and programmed into the chime’s controller. “Ascent” can also be activated by a smart phone app, from anywhere in the world, with a cellular or internet connection, by Denver Public Art Staff and the Denver Mayor's office.
From the artist and composer: Kevin T. Padworski:
"The goal of the composition was to capture the essence of the people the music aimed to represent - the people of Denver. With a quickly growing population, full of diversity and a multitude of backgrounds, I sought to create the music that would evoke this catalytic energy. The task of composing for bells combined with a limited set of pitches was a unique and exciting challenge (and privilege). "Ascent" - a composition that features ascending musical lines that represent the city - its growth, the people, the topography of the state, and hope in its bright future. Bells have such an iconic and timeless sound, and it is my hope that this new music can be heard in a new way to serve and inspire the people of this city.”