Piano Quartet No. 1

Commissioned by NEXT Ensemble and Salty Cricket in 2020. The first movement is entitled "Unfolding," a reference to the great work we can accomplish as human beings when we communicate musically. Movement Two (live recording here) is entitled "Elegy." It is based on a poem by Emily Dickinson on the death of a child. There are programmatic elements, such as the slow breathing, the bells tolling and the angels wings. Here is the quote: "She died this was the way she died. And when her breath was done Took up her simple wardrobe And started for the sun Her little figure at the gate The angels must have spied, Since I could never find her Upon the mortal side." The last movement is entitled "Rejoicing," providing a respite from grief, and hope for the future.