Ella (2019)

for flute, viola, & harp

Ella was commissioned by the Steven R. Gerber Trust for the Fresh Inc. Festival in 2019, and all composers were given the theme of “identity” for the commissioned works. 

When presented with this theme, I drew inspiration from Judy Grahn’s poem, The Common Women Poems, II. Ella, in a square apron, along Highway 80. Her poem provoked thoughts about other people’s perceptions of who I am, and then how I want those perceptions to affect how I present myself. From this I reflected on a major change in my life, which had left me with unanswered questions, unsatisfied emotions, and plenty of confusion. I put this into my music to help me obtain a better sense of the emotions I had and of who I was becoming. I explored these changes by using different colors, textures, and techniques as aspects of development. Ella begins with a small motive that changes and grows throughout the piece; it wanders into a section of new sounds; and then the motive returns, but with a new sense of purpose, drive, and enlightenment.

Performances

• June 15, 2019 - Constellation in Chicago, IL (premiere)

  • Performers: Carolyn Kelly, flute; Sixto Franco, viola; Grace Cross, harp