where late the sweet birds sang

Composer's Note:

where late the sweet birds sang was composed in the fall of 1993. It was during this time that I learned that my friend and mentor, Robert Black, was diagnosed with cancer. The piece is dedicated to his memory. The titles of the movements are taken from a sonnet by Shakespeare that seemed particularly fitting at the time. The poem became an inspirational tool (rather than a programmatic element) of the piece.

The piece is in three movements played continuously. The first movement is characterized by a melange of emotions. A central motive representing rage is interspersed with themes of serenity and frantic confusion. The instruments perform, for the most part, independently from one another, or at times combine briefly into various factions. This section moves directly into the more lyrical and subdued second movement. During the course of the movement, the instruments find a unity and hopeful strength. The third movement further explores the relationship of the various motivic elements.