Little Things (2014)
about
Little Things was written in January 2014 for the Viola Project IX and for Tzu-Hsun Yu. The piece begins with fluttering ("little") figures that morph into sustained notes, sometimes in frustration, and other times with longing, resignation, or determination. From these quick flutters, a hesitant, but sweeping, melodic line emerges, as if the "little things" have been immutably transformed. In the end, only the memory of the initial form is left.
Scientists have done studies demonstrating that butterflies do remember lessons learned from their lives before metamorphosis. Perhaps this is similar for the imaginary little winged creature I can't help but imagine here.
instrumentation
Viola
duration
ca. 4 minutes
performances
October 25, 2018
Female Composers at the Unicorn Castle, Private residence, Oakland, CA
Christina J. Simpson – viola
March 4, 2017
Elevate Ensemble After Dark, Southside Theater Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA
Christina J. Simpson – viola
May 22, 2016
Elevate Ensemble House Concert/Brunch, Private home, San Francisco, CA
Christina J. Simpson – viola
January 16, 2016
Andronica String Trio, Seventh Avenue Performances, San Francisco, CA
Elyse Ader – viola
May 10, 2015
Graduate Recital, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sol Joseph Recital Hall, San Francisco, CA
Tzu-Hsun Yu – viola
February 28, 2014*
SFCM Viola Project IX, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sol Joseph Recital Hall, San Francisco, CA
Tzu-Hsun Yu – viola
*Indicates a world premiere