Premonitions for Flute, Cello, and Piano

“Premonitions” is a four-movement composition on the theme of climate change.   The first movement “Tempest” is a representation of the increased frequency and severity of cyclones, hurricanes, and winter storms caused by the effects of climate change. It consists of several cells of ideas. The first idea represents the storm's fury with strong dissonance. The second cell is a syncopated figure followed by a diminished 7th arpeggio in contrary motion and represents danger. The third cell consists simply of half-step trills alternating between instruments and represents anxiety. The next cell is in the form of a triplet that can be called the “Scream” cell. The last cell an extended section consisting of even half-step eighth notes in contrary motion and a more sustained countermelody. This section represents the calm before the storm. These cells are freely combined and are developed in subtle ways.   Movement two is called “Devastation”. It begins with the clarinet playing a desolate melody in 5/4 that undergoes four variations through transformation of musical material and scoring. The four note chromatic motif that appears at the end of the melody serves as transition to the middle section that is a temporary glimmer of hope. It is in the minor mode still with some chromatic wandering. It builds to a climax of frustration that returns to the desolate melody variants, but in a different order than the beginning.     Debate is represented in the third movement that is in an ABA form. The A sections present strong arguments on both sides. They are at a loud dynamic, dissonant, and utilize a series of dotted rhythms that add to the intensity. A rapid trill representing frustration answers the dotted rhythms. The B section represents a regrouping of arguments. It begins with an arpeggiated piano part at a soft dynamic and lyrical line in the clarinet and double bass that is atonal, creating an unsettled feeling. A trill is also included in this melody as a reminder of the frustration. The orchestration varies in this section before the arguments resume as the tempo and dynamics increase. The return to the A section concludes the movement.   The last movement, “Compromise” is the realization of the concessions that need to be made in order for an economically viable solution to addressing the climate change problem. The movement is lyrical and flowing and is designed to represent both acceptance and optimism. While there is some counterpoint, the movement is primarily homophonic with rich harmony.