Reflections on an Occurrence

Anger. Disappointment. Confusion. Hopelessness.

These are the emotions I felt in the months following one of my greatest challenges to date. After a meager two days pursuing a Master’s degree in Composition at CCM, I was forced to leave.

While those two days were some of the fastest I've lived, they were also some of the most exciting. It was a dream come true; a dream I had since I began composing. Having to leave that dream behind dashed every bit of hope and excitement from composing.

As I grow as a composer and a person, I find that transparency regarding life and feelings comes more from my music than my words or actions. Those who know me personally understand that I've never been quite open. Through music, however, I find the voice to speak volumes.

“Reflections” does this. Its lilting themes present sadness, hopelessness, lifelessness, even. Dry, dense, nearly sinister harmony threatens interweaved consonances. Anger drives rhythmic, forceful interjections. The string orchestra is a traditionally sombre ensemble, which makes it fitting to expose these emotions.

The piece is my most mature, solidly-composed and conceived work yet. It speaks with the idiomatic languages of Scriabin, Yoshimatsu, Stravinsky, and Shostakovich. Gesturalism, harmony, and tonalism root this piece in my love for 20th century American music. The form is a direct nod to Prokofiev's 7th Piano Sonata, a deeply emotional and powerful piece for the composer, depicting personal and external conflict.

Digitally prepared using NotePerformer 4 Sound Libraries and Sibelius.