Seascapes

These two movements, titled Seascapes I and II, are the beginning of what I hope will be a series of compositions inspired by water. I grew up on the coast of North Carolina, and the ocean is a part of me. When given the opportunity to compose a new work for the Chamber Wind Ensemble of Coastal Carolina University, I was immediately drawn to return to the sea for my inspiration.

Seascape I evokes the gentle rocking motion of calm ocean waves and soft breezes. The quietly flowing harp and sparse percussion with overlapping rainsticks, all supported by a gently undulating texture in the winds, are intended to create a sense of peaceful movement. A simple flute melody floats on the surface, and is later developed in horn, trumpet, and saxophones. Flutes, harp, and rainsticks return us to the ebbing tide.

Seascape II portrays a more active wind and surf, with cross currents and layers of movement in the midday sun. A meter of five beats per measure generates a fluid motion, while a jazz-inflected melody rides on the multi-layered musical texture.