Term time
Now that the semester has begun, I’ve taken some time to assess my summer progress. While I didn’t finish everything on my “to-do” list, I completed the most immediate projects (2 chamber pieces) and wrote 2/3 of a large string orchestra piece. I’ve been asked to write a piece for piccolo (w/ pno, vlc, std perc) for a friend’s recital, so I am about to dive into that, whilst revising “The Stone House” in hopes for a CalArts production in the spring. It is fabulous to be back in session, although sometimes I miss having more time to write/ponder. I’ve undertaken this semester a directed research project; I’ll be analyzing and expostulating about Berg’s opera “Wozzeck” as a sort of undergraduate thesis! Having been obsessed with the piece (and having perpetrated atrocities in its name, such as renewing the piano reduction for almost a solid year) it will be wonderful to write about it in a more formal setting. David Fick, an absolute genius, is my faculty advisor.
Some goals I have for this semester include sketching a version of the double violin concerto, which I’m thinking of turning into a sonata with chamber ensemble for practicality’s sake (so I can get it performed sometime this year), reorchestrating some of my chamber opera, and continuing to work on chamber music— particularly emphasizing piano techniques. My score sight-reduction at the keyboard is not quite where I’d like it to be, so that’s an ongoing effort as well. (I’ve lately taken to analyzing Stravinsky while running at the gym, so there’s definitely a time and place for everything!)
As usual, although I don’t say it enough, I am especially thankful for my family being so supportive and encouraging, and to Angela and other creative partners for inspiring me.
