Performed by Boris Allakhverdyan and Alin Melik-Adamyan.
CASCADES
For Bb Clarinet and Piano (2020)
Cascades is a piece that shows how a small, single character trait of a person can negatively overcome them, unknowingly. As the simple theme unravels, it can be interpreted as a mix of dark and light, almost simultaneously. As the piece progresses, it explores both ends of the spectrum of allowing a character trait to flanderize in a person. As the negative side is explored, it is quickly juxtaposed by lush, happy, textures as a symbolism for justification. The piece symbolizes how in our world, people are quick to justify their wrongs by the reason behind, and people tend to allow themselves to be overcome with their negative obsession by justifying their actions. In a piece disguised with light and happy sounds, as well as a seemingly innocent name, it holds a hidden dark meaning that serves as a metaphor for people in our world who justify their unhealthy obsessions and lead themselves to their downfall.
Performed by Alvin Ho and Caleb Hu.
FLOURISH
For Trombone and Piano (2022)
In this style bending piece, where Chopin's influence on romanticism meets an intimate Latin, jazz and Flamenco tinge, Flourish seeks to bring to light the struggle of being an artist, in any form. The piece expresses the agony of working with writer’s block, negative comments, and the phrases it brings. The phases that are truly highlighted in this piece are the phases of feeling like one is 'losing touch' and/or losing their ability. But in the end, through agony, pain, and trials, the piece portrays a happy ending to the story where the artist finds their love again, and they simply just Flourish.
Performed by Ars Futura at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
BLOSSOM
For Piano Trio (2019)
Blossom draws its inspiration from those interactions that change life in an instance, connections with the power to create a magical, lifelong bond. Like a simple wave or conversation, they have the potential to connect others and to grow into something beautiful. These interactions can even bring people out of a dark place, serving as the catalyst for someone to pursue their dreams. When we look back on our lives, these connections are what we will remember the most because relationships with others are the most beautiful aspect of human life. But the only way we can seize this incredible ability is to start somewhere. Whether it’s a wave, or a conversation, or a moment with a friend, it’s the little things that make life Blossom.
Performed by Dominique Cox, Kevin Hulipas, Cori Trenczer, Sean Penzo, and Ian Collins at All Saints Chapel during the Sewanee Summer Musical Festival
ENAMORED
For Bb Clarinet and Low String Quartet (2022)
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Performed by Jake Polson and Kevin Charoensri.
FLOWERING
For Flute and Piano (2023)
Combining jazz and classical styles, using the full range of the flute and acrobatics of both flute and piano, Flowering seeks to have a melody blossom and growing in different contexts, as both instruments have a playful, yet colorful tone.