Wide Open (2021), for Chamber Orchestra and Narrator; texts by Keller Cushing Freeman
For college-level players, especially challenging for principal flute and percussionist. About 20 minutes. Scored for strings, woodwinds in pairs, and percussion; percussion part can be divided between two players if desired. Percussion part includes prominent roles for marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, timpani, floor toms, and triangle. Texts, by Keller Cushing Freeman, speak to the need for all to be open to wonder, reason, and responsibility; as such, the work may be especially appropriate for youth-friendly programs. Narrations are inserted at the start of each section over a very soft background vamp, with a few words inserted between musical gestures at the very end. Video of the premiere performance is here. $40 for score, parts, demo recording. Order here.
My sincere thanks to the Greenville County Youth Orchestra and Maestro Gary Auguste Robinson for commissioning the work and performing the premiere, 7 May 2022.
Introduction
Lyrical & Copland-esque, about 1 minute. Flute solo in measure 3 is the basis for much of the melodic material throughout.
I. Open Your Eyes
Energetic, urgent, and somewhat turbulent, designed to elicit feelings of concern… maybe even alarm. Much of this section is underpinned by an ominous locrian ostinato in the strings.
II. Open the Window
Somewhat reminiscent of the opening, with lush, gentle harmonies in the winds and birdsong-like gestures in the flute. At rehearsal B. a lyrical line is introduced in the strings. The music suggests that if one would only open the window and pay attention, there is much beauty in the natural world and the spectrum of humanity to be appreciated and cherished.
III. Open the Door
Fleet and light, in modal harmony and Scherzo & trio form. 7/8 meter alternates groupings: 3+2+2 and 2+3+2. A handful for the marimbist and flute soloist. The music suggests a varied and irresistible adventure awaits one who opens the door and gets out of Dodge.
IV. Open Your Heart
This concluding section goes rapidly through a number of moods, as it is largely a summing-up retrospective of the previous sections. The work ends with a quiet, lyrical plea that the listener - in light of all that has been said before - open their heart.
