John D. McDonald

Baroque Flute and Modern Flute

Composer's Note:

Composed for the atypical combination of Baroque and modern flutes, Dark Wood, Bright Metal is a brief triptych made from notebook sketches of short pieces that also exist in other versions.
All three short movements create their own little rituals using verse forms (or made-up refrain structures). Mullover is the first in a potential series of musical "thoughts," often bemused and reflective, and caught inside their own heads. This one mulls over phrases in exact rhythmic unison, often in oblique motion. Mostly Pleasant Back-And-Forth is a light, conversational fantasietta inspired by my mother's highest compliment about new music she hears: "it was pleasant." But there's something a little uncomfortable anyway. The final lament, Weeping Motive, is somewhat more urgent than the previous movements, and features descending duple phrases to be played with tearful intensity.
This little triptych is dedicated with pleasure to its wonderful dedicatees, Na'ama Lion and Vanessa Mulvey.