Unfurling (2024)
Violin and Piano
Duration ca. 8 minutes

Commissioned by the Kayden Music Commissioning Program at Juilliard Pre-College

Program Note:

Unfurling is a reflection on David Stoltz’s “Day Game,” a steel sculpture currently housed on the grounds of Storm King. I was struck by how initially unassuming the structure appeared to be, folded in upon itself, neglected at the end of a rather unadorned path through the trees. As I approached this crumpled fist of steel, it began to shapeshift, unfurling and revealing an outstretched and elongated form, almost serpentine, protruding from the earth. Walking closer it suddenly became a sprawling steel ribbon, harsh angles giving way to curled coils. For this piece I thought about the idea of unraveling, of shapeshifting, and subtle transformations of patterns. I considered the different angles, lenses or filters through which we could experience the same material, the persistent evolution of identity and identification, capturing the joy of these unexpected little discoveries.