Under the Summer Tree

Published in 2003, this work explores the reaction to personal loss so profoundly expressed in the poem During Wind and Rain by Thomas Hardy. The first movement utilizes one pitch cell throughout in two contrasting ways. The first is aggressive, rhythmic, driving and rumbling, while the other is lyrical, melodic and tender. The second movement is reflective, distant and introverted - an expression of sadness in the style of a siciliano. The sections are repeated in the tradition of this old dance form, and yet, even though identical pitch sets are used, the music is transformed. The third movement begins without pause, somewhat tentatively and hesitantly and then rushes furiously forward. Bursts of anger alternate with more temperate sadness. The first movement of this work was commissioned by the Fortnightly Musical Club of Cleveland for their 25th year of commissioning new works, and was premiered in February 1999.