Instrumentation: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, and Cello
Duration: 6 minutes
Recording Available: No
Performed: Yes
Catalog ID: RE1020
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I have felt that, at times, my compositional process serves a therapeutic purpose
that attempts to answer questions about my experiences. In 1997, Robert Cooper
who was a dear friend, teacher, and colleague of mine suddenly passed away.
Recently, I was struck once again with the emotions of this passing. After three
years, I recently realized once again how important his life was to me. Although
this is the first composition that has a reflective quality, this work for flute,
oboe, clarinet, and cello is my third composition that is dedicated to Robert.
Robert was very interested in experimentation for the individual. From my
perspective, he was not as concerned that I (or any other composer) should
experiment in music for "music's sake," but experimentation for the benefit of
the composer. Although subtle, I think it is important to distinguish between
these two views because it insures a very personal attachment to one's music. I
continue to explore the definitions of melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, and
medium for myself in every piece I write. I must admit that the compositional
ideas in Experience 3 are not revolutionary ideas; however, these ideas represent
a discovery process and my exploration for beauty in music. Simply, this work
and every work, is a direct reflection of my time with Robert.