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Play it by Ear (2007)
ensemble two violins, viola, cello, bass, clarinet, bassoon, horn, and piano
written for The Hindemith Ensemble
premièred February 7, 2008, New Haven, CT
My second piece for The Hindemith Ensemble is intentionally quite different from my first (Variations for an Odd Band). In place of the excited jumble of juxtaposed materials is a fairly homogenous, intensely lyrical, somewhat melancholy song. Instruments play either long, vocal lines or busy accompanimental textures, represented by the clarinet and piano, respectively; this dichotomy remains sharply defined throughout the piece.
Writing for friends always feels relaxing and easy for me; similarly, the experience of playing music with friends is equal parts work, camaraderie, and pure fun. The title Play it by Ear refers to that feeling.
Listen
Recorded 3/1/08 live at Roulette, NYC
Miki Cloud and Nicholas DiEugenio, violins; Anne Lanzilotti, viola; Hannah Collins, cello; Cameron Arens, bass; Rebecca Doggett, clarinet; Aaron Apaza, bassoon; Alma Liebrecht, horn; Timothy Andres, piano.