Water Box Musings was conceived as an abstract project for my Theory IV class at Kansas State University. In the most clichéd of senses, the abstract qualities of the text and scoring of this work were discovered while casually reading the label on the bottle of my shampoo while I was showering one evening. Upon reading the line, "with mint," I chuckled to myself, "ah, a hint of mint, a scent of mint!" and from there the piece took flight.
Written for my friend, fellow composer, and virtuosic tenor Lorenzo Butler, Water Box Musings involve a highly eclectic text and score that explores in abstract, metaphorical, and even mildly satirical vehicles the act of taking a shower (i.e. the idea of a "water box"). Each movement represents a different experience: Denali (the name of my body-wash) incorporates the use of only a single hexachord for the entirety of the movement, exploring minimalism through the continuous use of only six pitches that are displaced within three octaves of themselves. Tundra (the name of my shampoo) incorporates a technique called parsimonious voice leading, which creates a continuous sense of constant change as chords drift in and out of tonality into new ideas, ending with an upbeat G-lydian section.
Written for only the best of vocalists, Water Box Musings proves to be a fun, diverse addition to any concert program for the sophisticated and highly skilled tenor.
Written for my friend, fellow composer, and virtuosic tenor Lorenzo Butler, Water Box Musings involve a highly eclectic text and score that explores in abstract, metaphorical, and even mildly satirical vehicles the act of taking a shower (i.e. the idea of a "water box"). Each movement represents a different experience: Denali (the name of my body-wash) incorporates the use of only a single hexachord for the entirety of the movement, exploring minimalism through the continuous use of only six pitches that are displaced within three octaves of themselves. Tundra (the name of my shampoo) incorporates a technique called parsimonious voice leading, which creates a continuous sense of constant change as chords drift in and out of tonality into new ideas, ending with an upbeat G-lydian section.
Written for only the best of vocalists, Water Box Musings proves to be a fun, diverse addition to any concert program for the sophisticated and highly skilled tenor.
Movements:
Denali
Tundra
Tundra
This work is scored for tenor voice and piano.
This composition is recommended for an advanced soloist.