Awards: NYYS Youth Symphony First Music Jazz Commissioned work (big band version)

 

Premiere: Duo Recital, University of Colorado Boulder, March 27th, 2021 (combo version)

 

Duration:  ca. 10 min

 

Program Note:

 

“They’re very jazzlike, actually.”

—naturalist Bernie Krause on whale calls

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Hvalsang is the Norwegian word for “Whale Song.” The piece compiles a variety of sounds produced by whales—calls from humpback, orca, fin, minke, and blue whales, sperm whale clicks, and whales splashing and playing above water. I compiled these whale sounds into a composite melody seasoned with an underwater soundscape. I also use the combo to depict the enormity of a whale’s size, with pounding rhythm section and aggressive low brass. These heavier moments combined with the intimate ethereal songs creative a picture of wonder and awe in the face of these huge, beautiful creatures.

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Additional Performances:

• New York Youth Symphony Jazz Band, The Times Center, NYC, NY, May 9th, 2022

• Ben Morris Ensemble, Muse Performance Space, Lafayette, CO, January 16, 2022