Nathan Bowen, Cassia

Nathan Bowen is currently pursuing a doctorate in music composition at the CUNY Graduate Center, studying primarily with Amnon Wolman and Tania León. Having composed for chamber ensembles, short films, orchestra, choir, theater, commercial projects, and computer music.

Cassia (2004) is an aromatic spice that, among other uses, is an ingredient for anointing oil. This piece is meant to be a celebration of things that are ennobling, constructive, and beneficial to growth and enrichment. I am increasingly drawn to durational issues and how rhythm can be used to create a sense of motion or stasis. In this piece I am conscientious of the interplay between sparse and rich textures, brittle and lush timbres, and abrupt dynamic and rhythmic contrasts.

3BowenCassiaExcerpt.mp3