Lament for Solo Violin was written for violinist Haley Leach while we were both
attending The Boston Conservatory. This work became the catalyst for my
compositional series of “Solo Alone” instrumental works, all composed in collaboration
with the performing musicians. This series is ongoing with works for violin, bassoon, and
harp already existing and works for clarinet, double bass and soprano saxophone
anticipated within the next year.
Music is often written with the intent to evoke an emotional response from its listener.
With this work, I wanted to delve deeper and compose a piece that personified the violin
by having it express literal sadness. What does a violin sound like when it's crying? The
performer employs an array of techniques to imitate the sounds and gestures of one
who is grieving. The piece closes with the violin attempting to console itself by singing a
song to itself, as one’s mother may have taught them as a child.
attending The Boston Conservatory. This work became the catalyst for my
compositional series of “Solo Alone” instrumental works, all composed in collaboration
with the performing musicians. This series is ongoing with works for violin, bassoon, and
harp already existing and works for clarinet, double bass and soprano saxophone
anticipated within the next year.
Music is often written with the intent to evoke an emotional response from its listener.
With this work, I wanted to delve deeper and compose a piece that personified the violin
by having it express literal sadness. What does a violin sound like when it's crying? The
performer employs an array of techniques to imitate the sounds and gestures of one
who is grieving. The piece closes with the violin attempting to console itself by singing a
song to itself, as one’s mother may have taught them as a child.