Traverse Octet
for flute (piccolo), oboe (english horn), clarinet in A, bass clarinet, alto saxophone, bassoon, percussion, piano
commissioned by the Akropolis Chamber Music Institute
premiere by ACMI 2024 musicians:
Percussion List
Anvil, Castanet Machine, Kick Drum, Metal Pipe, Paper (2 different sizes/types), Sizzle Cymbal, Slapstick, Suspended Cymbal, Tambourine (mounted), Triangle
Traverse Octet begins in a light, dancing place which is then obliterated completely by an opposite character. The ensuing music is a journey to rediscover and rebuild that joyful starting location. The perspective of the music changes several times during this trip, from rambling patterns to introspective solos, rhythmic pulsing to flowing counterpoint. The players are called alternately to use their most lyrical talents on the instruments in contrast with their harshest sounds. While writing the piece the composer was struck with feelings of discovering beautiful things even when unexpected events throw off how we hope events will go. The word “traverse” not only embodies this changing and return to the original musical ideas, but also alludes to my own travels as a northern-Michigan person through the Traverse City airport, as well as the Akropolis Chamber Music Institute's location on Little Traverse Bay for which the piece was written.