Basically

When writing music, the one obstacle I inevitably have to confront is letting an idea live to its fullest. My biggest fear is drawing out ideas too long, meaning I tend to preemptively snuff the life out of a motif before ever letting it reach fruition. Basically reflects this internal struggle through the development of a simple motif, inspired by Steve Reich. The accompaniment changes time signature, rhythm, and key, but this small melody persists and bonds with the changes throughout.

Basically can also be viewed as a conversation; the speaker resiliently trying to communicate with a partner who maybe struggles in staying on topic. This speaker pushes and coerces the other to stop blabbering throughout, ending in half-hearted compromise.

This piece was written for the Penn State Young Composers Institute. Special thanks to Gabriel Newvine and all of my peers and friends who have contributed to its development.