Meditation

Meditation (2025) is written for Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, and Bass Trombone, and serves as a perfect mix of lush brass harmonies with lively, agile playing. Program Notes: "Meditation" is a piece about distraction and focus. About a year ago, one of my music history classes was talking about medieval music and Gregorian chant, and I wanted to write a melody that emulated some of those qualities. I'd intended to write a whole piece from it, but never found the motivation to finish it at that point. I'm grateful to the brass quartet for requesting a piece, finally giving me a deadline to turn this idea into something substantial. From the opening bar, I wanted to create a sense of relaxation. The beginning feels like sitting down after a long day, closing my eyes, and just breathing in and out. As all meditation sessions go, distraction sets in and the piece wanders in a different direction. Eventually, after some effort, the music finds its way back to a powerful, unitary focus.