An Orchestral Piece About an Illness that Preys On Ultra-Cavers

Rapture for Orchestra by Patrick Harlin from Patrick Harlin on Vimeo.

That piece–which I *love*–was inspired by this: A ‘Blind Descent’ Into The Deepest Caves On Earth : NPR

Drowning, poisonous gas inhalation and electrocution are perils of journeying through a supercave. Tabor says there are more than 50 ways for a person to die during these explorations.
There’s also a danger of developing an illness known as “the rapture” — an extreme reaction to darkness and depth. Those who have suffered from it describe it as being similar to an anxiety attack while on methamphetamines.
“At some level, everyone’s brain will start to say, ‘I don’t belong here. This is a very dangerous place.’ It’s an ancient primordial instinct and it just says, ‘You have to get me out of here, right now.'”

Here’s a great interview with the composer, Patrick Harlin, on Michigan Radio.