Selected Works

History is, essentially, nothing more or less than a collection of unchangeable past events. Some events are good, some are bad. History is documented through subjective narratives of the past constructed on evidence, and can be studied and interpreted in many different ways. This piece, Bizaan, is such an interpretation. Especially rich in history are America's indigenous people, whose enduring legacy is marked by both struggles and triumphs alike. The goals of this piece are to depict both with absolute sincerity, while at the same time honoring the incredibly colorful and dynamic nature of traditional Native American folk music. It is my hope that Bizaan not only acknowledges Indigenous history, but also spreads the joy of their remarkable music and culture.

This overture presents two distinct themes: the lively, impulsive Mouse and its elusive, dance-like Shadow. The Mouse's theme is a playful, impulsive melody, and the Shadow's theme is a rather annoying, chant-like gesture. The piece unfolds as a playful chase, as the Mouse desperately attempts to find his elusive Shadow. As the two themes develop, the Mouse grows frenzied, and the Shadow becomes mockingly lyrical during its own climax, representing its invisibility in plain sight. The overture culminates in a grand, fortissimo finale, signifying the Mouse's triumphant capture of its elusive Shadow, a celebration of its tenacious spirit.

The term "bilge rat" describes a small rodent that hangs out at the bottom of a ship's hull. Co-opted by pirates, the term synonymously describes the lowliest of human sea workers on a pirate ship. This piece emulates the intense but somewhat easygoing nature of "bilge rat" sea workers. Dance of the Bilge Rats is a lively and spirited piece that captures the energy of rogue and rodent-like seamen. Rough, off-beat syncopation characterizes the majority of the piece. The rhythmic punctuation throughout elevates the dance-like music — or rather lowers it — to one of the bilge rats.

As suggested by its title, this piece is based on and heavily influenced by the fabulous folk music of East- and Southeast-Asian cultures. The uniquely vivid and vibrant soundscape is of a deeply expressive and evocative nature, and serves as the fundamental inspiration for this piece. The imagined musical scene is of an unseen singer, camouflaged within her environment, serenading a Pacific shoreline beneath the pale moonlight. The anonymous vocalist sings an impassioned, cantabile folk melody that drifts ethereally through the air. The piece is ultimately meant to emulate and flatter the South Asian style with authenticity and sincerity.