Triptych

Quartet for flute/piccolo, cello, piano and percussion

This three-movement piece conveys through sound some of the most remote places I have visited with my husband, photographer Brian Marsh. These unique locations inspired me to write music that would evoke the experiences we had.

1. The Wave- Wind and water have carved the sandstones in this area of Northern Arizona over millions of years. The wavelike patterns left behind are like none other on the planet. Time as a signpost is appreciated as one moves slowly over and through the geologic eras.
2. Horseshoe Canyon- Deep in the canyon, miles from civilization, we viewed pictographs from Native Americans dating as far back as 2,000 B.C. The luminous figures, approachable yet distant, stared out at us.
3. Orkney- The heart of Neolithic Orkney is a group of 5,000-year-old sites on the mainland including rings of giant stones and preserved ancient villages. The strength and heritage of the Pics/Scots are reflected in the landscape.

The Oregon Teacher's Music Association commissioned this piece for the Composer of the Year award in 2018.

Cover photograph: Horseshoe Canyon by Brian Marsh

Price: $25