Through Leaves

CAUTION! The first note is very loud

PROGRAM NOTES:

Through Leaves (2004) for percussion and digital playback was commissioned by and is dedicated to percussionist Jay Bordeleau who premiered the work on February 13, 2004 at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Through Leaves draws inspiration from nature for the formal and aural elements used in this piece. As in a tree, whose large-scale structures (trunk separating into branches and roots) are mimicked on the small-scale (petiole separating into veins and capillaries), simple melodic and rhythmic materials build into larger phrases. The dynamic range of percussion and electronic sounds further underscore the unfolding of this drama. The tape was realized in the composer's home studio and at the University of Michigan Electronic Music Studios. The electronics feature percussionist Jay Bordeleau in addition to field recordings made by the composer. Many thanks to the following for their artistic support: Jay Bordeleau, Evan Chambers and Greg Laman who wrote the Max patch for live processing.

– Notes by Andrea Reinkemeyer

PERCUSSION:

Concert Bass Drum, O-daiko, Bongos, 3 Temple Blocks / Suspended Cymbal, Sizzle Cymbal, Wind Bong / Marimba, F-2 Nipple Gong, Timpanum (28”) / Substitutions may be made in collaboration with the composer

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