The Viola in My Life

March is upon us dear reader, and clouds here hint at rain while searching the skies of the California desert. Seasonal changes are subtle in this part of the world, but discernible just the same if we keep our eyes and ears open for them. 

As we move into Spring, I'm pleased to be working again with another pair of wonderful musical artists. I've known violist Brett Deubner since we were both students at Eastman, and, for the last few years, I have enjoyed composing music for him; my work for him is unlike anything I've previously written. Brett is that rare musician whose playing is at once sensitive and strong, muscular and filled with longing. There is a wonderful muskiness to the musical work of a good violist--a soulful earthiness that lingers in one's memory long after the final notes of a good piece have been performed. And in Brett's playing one can smell the sound of wet earth.

His talents will be on display this upcoming Saturday when he and pianist Caroline Fauchet premiere my Cadenza & Aria at Occidental College. It is an intense piece, with an angry protagonist that, in his search for peace, stumbles his way to a ragged stillness. The concert is free, and I hope you will join us.