Solemn Reflections (2023)
Mixed Chamber Ensemble | ca. 6'
Solemn Reflections (2023)
Mixed Chamber Ensemble | ca. 6'
Instrumentation
Oboe, Bb Clarinet, Harp, Soprano, Violoncello
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Program Note
Solemn Reflections is not necessarily “solemn” at its core, but rather takes its name from the mood established by the music of each of the two movements. The text is introspective in nature, which is how the piece earns the “reflections” part of the title; the first movement contemplates existence itself, and is very disconcerting, while the second movement is much more passionate with a gentler character.
Text by Samuel Ash
I. Meditation
Is this,
is this it?
Let’s pray so.
Don’t ask.
Who is there,
who is there,
who is there to answer?
God’s forever hints?
A cocoon in cyclic bloom;
muted colors and invisible wings
fly away and return reincarnate
a tint evolved
to die again;
a tint evolved
to die again.
II. Song
The creek flirts as I walk along its cliff,
Flaunting between braided flowers,
flowers of black metal;
a frog rings like a telephone,
the brook whispers between lips of hashed bark and brown moss,
the wind brushes me like paint.
From under cloth, I remove my left ear towards the Earth,
and let Her gather around me,
consume me,
and teach me.
Listen to Solemn Reflections
Performed by
Hannah Weller, clarinet
Connor Rury, oboe
Margaret Anne Gunter, harp
Tyler Aguillard, cello
Abigail Bahng, soprano
April 7th, 2024 (WORLD PREMIERE)