It’s official— within the next few days, I start sketching the concerto.
I’m currently working on a solo trumpet piece for Scott Smith as well as a song cycle. The month of February (lest I forever live in denial) is filled with conducting (two wind ensemble pieces for Roger Zare, two smaller pieces for Erik Ohlson, two large pieces for Paul Dooley, a CME rehearsal, etc.). I’m excited. One of the pieces on Erik’s recital is a reprise performance of The Matador Flies. The CME work focuses on Donald Crockett’s Whistling in the Dark; ironically, I had checked the score out two years ago. I’m looking forward to seeing Crockett in the next few weeks (he’s guest conducting the NMO concert) as he’s been out on his Guggenheim.
My Wozzeck thesis has yet to be completed. Right now I’m working through a number of early analyses by Berg’s contemporaries. One is in German; I’m not sure how to approach that text.
On the whole, the upcoming months feel promising, and I’m enjoying the prospect of collaborating with more individuals and groups, as this business, even at my tender age, can almost be lonely.
Many blessings.
