Rise is abstract in that there is no extra-musical imagery or narrative structure associated with the music. It is a lush adagio built upon a repeated cycle of chords ascending in stepwise motion. The music gradually gains upward momentum over this cyclical progression, reaching a powerful dramatic climax. The energy and momentum dissipate, returning the music to its opening contemplative quietness.

Though Rise is not programmatic, the connotation of the title, and the corresponding nature of the music, implies a clear, unsentimental sense of optimism and hope.