Songs for Pittsburgh (2007-8)

flute, harp and viola 8'

flute, harp, and bassoon

flute, harp, and cello

One of my earliest chamber works I still go back to and enjoy. Inspired by the trios of Debussy, Takemitsu, and Jolivet, there are four movements, each representing a scene in Pittsburgh, PA. The Overcast Skies is an atmospheric setting, all too fitting for Pittsburgh's weather. The Short Subway System is a very short jaunt on Pittsburgh's light rail (though it is a little bit longer now than in 2007!). The Philanthropist is a tribute to the genius and madness of Andrew Carnegie. And the final movement, The Stone Row Houses, is a Scottish-tinged work paying tribute to the architecture of Pittsburgh's working class homes.

Premiered 2008 Carnegie Mellon University, Kresge Recital Hall.