Program Note
Saturation for Soprano Saxophone and Piano (2017) explores sonic and emotional saturation points, especially those moments when it feels like adding anything to the mix would cause the rest to unravel. In the early months of 2017, tensions were running high, and the winter was wet, even by Oregon standards. The monotonous and continuously driving rain cast a dark pall over everything; eventually, the ground and rivers swelled, unable to absorb even a drop more. In many ways, nature mirrored strain in my life, so the form of this work unfolds similarly over three sections. In the first, Waiting, worrying, listening, the music is slow, bare, and resonant. The second section, Faster (If I say it often enough, does it become true?), processes the opening ideas within a churning rhythmic landscape. The third section, the pain travels with you, transforms the opening ideas into a lament.
Saturation was commissioned by Idit Shner, made possible through a University of Oregon Faculty Excellence Award. She premiered the work with Grace Eunhye Choi while on tour at Indiana University, Michigan State, University of Michigan, Linfield College, and University of Oregon (September 14–29, 2017).
— Andrea Reinkemeyer
Saturation was commissioned by Idit Shner, made possible through a University of Oregon Faculty Excellence Award. She premiered the work with Grace Eunhye Choi while on tour at Indiana University, Michigan State, University of Michigan, Linfield College, and University of Oregon (September 14–29, 2017).
— Andrea Reinkemeyer
Reproduction Notice:
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.
This program note may be freely reproduced in concert programs, provided that proper credit is given to the composer.