woodwind quintet

A four movement work for woodwind quintet inspired by a four stanza poem of T.S. Eliot, each of the movements reflecting the emotions and mental states of each of the stanzas. The piece explores timbre to a great extent, and abounds in extended performance techniques, in relation to articulation, proportional notation and controlled improvisation, and the influence of both classical and modern jazz is heard throughout. High difficulty - advanced performers only.

Based on the novel "Anpao-An American Indian Odyssey" by Jamake Highwater, this work was originally a theatre-dance work with narration, which was loosly adapted from the main elements of the story. It is scored for large chamber ensemble (triple quintet) with percussion. The piece may be performed either as a concert work or as a theatre-dance work, conceived, as it was, in terms of both musical structure and physical movement. The eight sections of the piece are all related melodically and harmonlically, and collectively form a whole. The work was performed originally by faculty musicians and student dancers. The music is often technically and rhythmically challenging, but could be performed by advanced college music majors.