Up/Down (2017) ~9’

[2 oboes.2 horns.strings]k

Commissioned by the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh and premiered in September, 2017.

Up/Down is based upon the contrast between children’s play and interaction with adults. Three traditional children’s songs are quoted; Ring Around the Rosy, London Bridge is Falling Down, and The Itsy Bitsy Spider. The two main elements that are represented in the piece are the boundless energy of children at play juxtaposed with codes of behavior as defined by adults. The two natures interact with high energy until, as all children will face, fatigue sets in and a calmer section emerges. The energy of the beginning section once again returns, and the piece ends with the continual contrast between high and low; up and down.