Saxum Tenebris

Commissioned by and dedicated to Andrew Busch

Saxum Tenebris is an exploration of the connection of humanity to nature. The work presents two stratified themes twisting their way through a single developmental thread that spans the entire composition – these themes vary from being in opposition, to mutual suspicion, to cautious cooperation, and finally to frenzied conflict. As the twin ideas of humans and nature concurrently evolve throughout the piece, the orchestration and development of the material both transform, too – wooden timbres are introduced, previous ideas are twisted, and the dance between the anthropogenic and natural grows more and more intense. Without a deliberate resolution, this piece chooses to meditate on the open question of our existence in the natural world, rather than provide a single answer to an ongoing and profound question.

This piece also owes a debt to the tremendous percussion writing of Paul Lansky (Threads, 2005) and Iannis Xenakis (Pléïades, 1978) and is a tribute to their influence on my own work.

Recording coming soon.