About the Piece

​

Movements:

I. Rays of Light Ripple Across the Still Water

II. Youthful Dances in the Sunset Glow   

III. A Glimpse at the Sun Leaves a Lasting Imprint

IV. Shades of Cerulean

V. Prismatic Ribbons

​

By the Ocean in May is a double concerto for flute, bassoon, and orchestra, composed for flautist Alice Jones and bassoonist Alexander Davis. The piece is inspired by my family's yearly visit to Cape Ann (Gloucester and Rockport, MA), a trip we take every May to commemorate the loss of our stillborn son Brayden. The first of these trips included just my wife Tracy and I, a year after our loss, in what was still an intense period of grieving. As our family has grown, and time has passed, the trip has become a reflective experience of remembrance that includes the playful and youthful energy of our children. The central focus of the work is to explore how the healing process evolves as time passes, and that overcoming grief is not a linear experience, but instead circular. Sonic representations of rays of light, sunsets, shades of blue, the vastness of the ocean and the sky, and ribbons of prismatic colors are inspired by contemplative moments on our trip in May 2024, a decade removed from our loss. Although inspiration is drawn directly from my own experiences, I hope that the music resonates with all those who have experienced the process of healing after difficult moments

​​​

recording from the premiere of the orchestral version                              recording from the premiere of the trio version

begins around 41'10"