Program Note |
Stress and Sunshine was commissioned by Washington Square Winds in 2016. Having composed for winds but never for wind quintet, I welcomed the opportunity and the challenge!
Stress and Sunshine is inspired by my time living in New York City. The city offers limitless inspirations and opportunities, and my time there was personally and artistically productive; however, daily life in New York can be harsh, stressful, and lonely. The individual movements are not meant to solely represent “stress” or “sunshine,” though. I chose the title because, at first glance, “stress” seems negative and “sunshine” positive. Too much sunshine, however, can be blinding and damaging. Stress, on the other hand, can become a constructive and motivating force. Within its two movements, Stress and Sunshine explores both the positive and negative sides of my experience living in New York City. The first movement divides the quintet into two distinct voices. In the opening section, the flute, oboe, and clarinet play a shrill, repetitive chord progression. This contrasts with the warm sonorities and lyrical melody later introduced by the clarinet, horn, and bassoon. By the closing measures, both voices join forces to bring the movement to a dramatic close. The volatile second movement features quick gestures and sudden changes. Melodic fragments materialize, fade, and then re-emerge, transformed. |
Premiere |
Commissioned by Washington Square Winds. Premiered in spring 2017.
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Recording |