Crossings, for solo piano (2006)
Duration: 12’
Movements:
Score excerpt
Premiere:
Michael Sheppard, piano
Griswold Hall, Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore, MD
Spring 2006
Performer in audio recording:
Recording from premiere
Program Notes:
This work, my first for solo piano in five years, comprises five movements titled “Inventions.” While on the surface my inventions bear no resemblance to traditional Baroque inventions – works in two or three voices in strict canonic counterpoint – they do resemble Baroque inventions in that they were designed and constructed monothematically. Each movement is built around one highly elaborated idea, whether it’s a melody, an ostinato, or even just a single chord. This helped me to keep each movement independent, focused, and unique.
The title of this work, Crossings, refers to the inverted hand-over-hand technique the pianist must often utilize throughout the piece. I am extremely grateful to Michael Sheppard, a renowned and astonishing pianist, for bringing this extraordinarily difficult and technical piece to life with brio and power.
— December 2005