Cyan Lyricism, for ensemble (2024)

• for wordless soprano, flute, and flute ensemble
• Study on Helen Frankenthaler no. 6
• | ca. 10′ | commissioned via consortium by Vox Anima and the New York Flute Club
• Premiere: December 15th, 2024, NYC, NY

consortium members:
Eastern Illinois University, Flute Studio dir. Rebecca Johnson
Lawrence University, Flute Studio dir. Erin Lesser
New York Flute Club, dir. Lish Lindsey
Texas Tech University, Flute Studio dir. Lisa Garner Santa
University of Miami Frost School of Music, Flute Studio dir. Jennifer White
University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Flute Studio dir. Tadeu Coelho
Eugenia L. Cline
Tadeu and Carole Coelho
Christine Hunsberger
Dr. James Miller

Premiere: Vox Anima and members of the New York Flute Club conducted by Felipe Tristan, New York City, NY, December 15th, 2024

Program note: Cyan Lyricism, for wordless soprano, flute, and flute ensemble is a work that responds to Lake Placid, a painting by the American abstract expressionist Helen Frankenthaler. The painting’s interplay of hues and fluid forms directly influenced the composition’s structure and development. The stillness of Lake Placid evoked a sense of narrative, prompting me to write music that gradually shifts from a state of tranquil stillness to a dramatic middle section characterized by virtuosic flourishes, rapid passages, and various coloristic shifts. Frankenthaler’s canvas consists of rich seafoam greens and blues accented by white and burgundy. These colors and the painting’s fluidity suggested an instrumental ensemble of similar timbres, leading me to the flute ensemble. I decided to subtly contrast the ensemble by adding a wordless soprano that could blend with the flutes. Cyan Lyricism was premiered on December 15th, 2024 at the Allen-Stevenson School in NYC by Amber Evans (soprano), Tadeu Coelho (flute), and members of the New York Flute Club.