Program Notes
Phantasms (2021-2022), for pierrot ensemble, was written as a compositional exercise in which each individual movement focuses on one aspect of composition: the first focuses on sonority, the second on perpetual motion, the third on counterpoint, and the fourth on symmetry and vertical motion.
Phantasms has little extramusical inspiration; each of these miniatures are meant only to invoke the idea of an illusion, dream, or apparition. The first and third movements were inspired by a figment of an apparition wandering in the night, first freely and aimlessly, then contained. In the first movement, this is represented by the freedom in the piano’s left hand, the repeating motive of which changes and evolves. In the third movement, the apparition is held captive by the piano’s fixed ostinato, which, due to the polymeter, works against the freedom of the solo cello.
The second and fourth movements, on the other hand, do not stem from this idea of a woeful spirit, but rather the thought of lively, boisterous figments, racing and dancing their way about the mind. These two movements are meant to inspire smiles as their motives are employed in a variety of fun and interesting ways.
Music
To purchase the music for Phantasms, or to see samples, contact Trevor Zavac.
The premiere of Phantasms occurred at an Indiana University Student Composition Recital on April 19th, 2022 at 8:00 PM in Auer Hall.
- Lilah Senibaldi – Flute
- Sophie Fears- Clarinet
- Ryan Tolentino – Violin
- Scott Sgueglia – Cello
- Kyle Haake – Piano
- Rob Rankin – Conductor