some notes (2017)

Program Notes:

“some notes” is a horn quartet in three movements inspired by Charles Bukowski’s poems some notes on Bach and Haydn, Mahler, Bruckner, and Beethoven conducted his last symphony while totally deaf. The movements of my piece do not neatly correspond to one single poem but take inspiration from several at once. The piece as a whole explores themes and images I found common among the set, most notably a sense of melancholy and contradiction. I chose the title “some notes” because I think of my piece as being like “some notes” on Bukowski’s poetry the way his poems are “some notes” on the composers and ideas which inspired him.

Prelude contains all the seeds of musical material that are developed in the subsequent movements. This movement also serves as a (very shy) nod to Bach including his musical cryptogram.

“…as you are…” is from a line in the poem Mahler. This movement deals with my own deep connection with Mahler’s music as well as my personal reaction to this poem. The element of contradiction plays out in this movement by way of two contrasting musical ideas that are set against each other in various ways. The most explicit musical quotations occur in this movement from symphonies 5 and 9.

“…I missed…” is from a line in the poem Bruckner. This movement, perhaps the most melancholic in mood and character, tries to convey the idea of “missing” by setting up cadential patterns that never quite align. The trajectory of the movement is also loosely inspired by the last movement of Mahler’s ninth symphony and his sequence of prayers. Each one gains in intensity and passion with the hope of being answered until the last which seems to surrender to the realization that it will not be fulfilled.

The lines that resonated with me the most and acted as a guide for the entire piece are from Beethoven conducted his last symphony while totally deaf. They are as follows:

that man should be as durable as his

art, that’s what they want, they want the

impossible: creation and creator to be as

one. this is the dirty trick

of the ages.

With special thanks to Tom Fish - although our interactions have been few, your kindness and spirit have made a great impression on me.