Dance (2018)
Instrumentation:
Bb Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano
Duration:
4-5 minutes
Score and Parts:
$50 for PDF Download
Program Notes
“Dance” was written to be performed by SOLI Chamber Ensemble at the 2018 Alba Music Festival Composition Program. The piece is directly inspired by the 20th century painting The Dance II (1910) and the artistic philosophies of its painter Henri Matisse (1869 - 1954).
Matisse constantly chose to seek the beauty and joy in life despite his own personal struggles and pain. His art serves as a reminder to us all that even in the most difficult times when beauty and joy can seem almost trivial, they are actually worth fighting for and can help us find hope and perseverance.
Dance (2018) is my way of trying to channel these philosophies into music while also trying to translate the bold lines and vivid colors of his painting which are used to convey an almost ancient connection to humanity and joy. I encourage listeners and performers to have as much fun engaging in this piece as I did writing it. Enjoy!