Longing

Longing began as a choral piece based on the poem of the same name by British poet Matthew Arnold. In 2012, I took the choral work and expanded the material to create this work for band. Longing is a beautiful lyrical work depicting the feelings most all have dealt with in their search for love and companionship. When reading the poetry, the reader can imagine a person so desperately in love that it's all they can think about, but there is a feeling that this love is not meant to be and that it exists only in their mind. The piece creates a very lush and dreamy soundscape but in the end leaves the listener wanting more. Longing was premiered by the University of Portland Wind Symphony, Patrick Murphy conductor in October 2012.