Landscape, Winter 2019

Written in 2019 for String Trio (11 minutes)

Original program note:

No one has ever described my home state of Nebraska as having a particularly elevated landscape. In fact, one might be compelled to describe it as “flat.” I think this is fine description, but it disappoints me that it’s generally used with negative connotations. To me, flat does not mean boring, that’s a chosen attitude. I think about it in comparison to the ocean; a vast, flat boring surface of blue that you can’t even go out and be part of. What matters is what you’re doing and what you are choosing to take the time to see. If you’re on a slight hill in the Winter, you might see miles and miles of beautiful and gentle landscape accented by trees, quaint country houses, and a sky so big it feels like it’s engulfing you. This is one of my favorite experiences driving home in the winter. In some way, I’ve tried to paint a bit of a portrait or landscape with this piece; my own take on a pastorale.

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 This piece took years to finally happen due to COVID and many other roadblocks. While it was written in the late Winter of 2019, it wasn’t performed until Fall of 2022.