Beginning in January of 2021, the seven pieces that comprise “Through the Year” were written progressively, with completion in May of 2022. As such, each movement contains the imprint of the season in which it came to life. In addition, Through the Year was conceived as a collaboration between several artists; all of the movements were written for specific voices and their unique qualities. These two characteristics give the work a kaleidoscopic perspective—the same scene appears in different shades, gradually transformed during each season and from the angles of different voices and instrumentations.
The overarching idea of the work is the progress from the hope of spring to the retrospection of the year’s conclusion. The figures of birds and flowers—and their departure—appear as recurring characters. This theme acts as a metaphor for the slow progress from youth to the evaporation of human life. As we grow older, life becomes increasingly something on which we look back upon, rather than something that lies ahead.
The vision for this work’s performance is a conversation among friends, into which an audience is invited to listen. The audience is situated around the performance area, seated around tables for four. Refreshments are served during the performance. The musicians are likewise seated among the audience while not performing—that is, among the seven or more musicians, a minimum number of four will be seated with the audience. Three to five minutes can be allowed to elapse between each piece. The musicians are encouraged to direct their attention primarily to those comprising the duet or trio, oriented in a closed circle around the piano.
Running Time: 25 minutes.
