Premiere Recording July 2024

Hat Trick Trio
April Clayton, flute
David Wallace, viola
Kristi Shade, Harp

PROGRAM NOTE

Since the beginning of 2021, I have been going out to Montauk, NY quite regularly in the off-season. Every morning, I can be seen jogging across Old Montauk Highway in order to catch the sunrise on time, and many of my works have been conceived on that stretch of beach between 12M and 8M.

On September 13th, 2023 I witnessed some amazing waves all morning as Hurricane Lee started to work its way up the east coast. I showed one of these photos to the folks of the Hat Trick Trio and we had the genesis of this piece.

My favorite moment of the Debussy trio for the same instrumentation has always been the third movement, and I deeply love every chance I get to rock out those jazzy rhythms and flourishes as a violist.

Having known David “Doc” Wallace for many years since our Juilliard days, I knew he was looking for a juicy and groovy viola part that he can sink his teeth into and I was more than happy to oblige. I have also been waiting quite a while to write for the harp, so it was a pleasure to write this fun little roller-coaster of a piece inspired by the waves and how they can represent all of the intense feelings the heart can feel.