Composer's Note

Air is a generic term for a composition that has a lyrical or song-like quality. I have long been fond of the contemporary Airs of Aaron Jay Kernis (for violin) and of Kevin Puts (one each for flute, clarinet, cello, and violin). They are reserved and unassuming pieces, simple in their language but deep in their expressive capacity. My own Air keeps in mind the instrument's unique musical qualities, including the darkness of its tone color and the relative slowness with which the instrument speaks. My aim is not a strong statement but simply to revel quietly in a musical world to which I'm strongly drawn.

Air was composed at the request of Drew Alexander Forde and completed in New York City in September 2015.

Duration

11 minutes

First Performance

February 2016, Paul Recital Hall, The Juilliard School, New York, NY
Drew Alexander Forde, viola; Joshua Cerdenia, piano