The term āpocket universeā refers to a small, self-contained universe that exists within a larger one. Although there is some theoretical framework for the concept in the scientific community, it is, for the most part, largely endemic to science fiction narratives. Each movement of this work is its own type of musical pocket universe, exploring the vast possibilities that arise when working with such a unique combination of instruments. Each movement title is either a reference or play on words to existing musical genres that have been twisted and appropriated into something new. While each movement parallels each other structurally, the harmonic content and rhythmic identity vary wildly between the three. The idea is that each movement is a āpocket universeā unto itself, becoming alternate dimensional counterparts to each other that have evolved and changed in uniquely different circumstances.
Three Pocket Universes was written for the annual Akropolis Chamber Music Institute. It was premiered by performance fellows and members of the Akropolis Reed Quintet in June of 2026 at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan.
