The KWS reading went well! It went *so* well. They played Matt’s piece first. It had a groove, and was light and fun and made me happy. Matty’s writing for bass and percussion was fantastic, especially.
Dan’s piece, “Untitled Cluster Experiment #1,” was really interesting–one of those pieces which is measured in seconds and by numbers rather than in time signatures. There was some improvisation involved, too, which I find either throws a wrench into the works, or makes the piece that much more fascinating, and it was the latter for this one.
David’s piece was *beautiful*, and I admit I was surprised, because his music is usually so analytical and modern to me. There was really well defined tension and release and brilliant thick textures. Holy crap. It might have been my favourite.
Mike’s piece began with these neat fanfare rhythms and struck me as quite soundtrack-like, but in the best possible way, with tonnes of evocative passages and musical imagery.
Narim’s piece was beautiful and illustrative too, but more of emotion rather than of images. There was a bitchin’ oboe solo in it, with the kind of long, haunting, melodic phrases that are so wonderful to play. We are such a talented, varied group of people. I am becoming more and more convinced that Laurier is a amazing school for composers.

And my piece! I wasn’t nervous before I got there, but as the reading session went on (of course I was last. Of course.), I started getting shaky. Having to introduce my piece, and defend it, and answer questions…I am not the best at talking on the spot, so it was intimidating. They played it really, really well, though. I only had a few comments about more vibraphone and one bit where a canon didn’t come out enough. I’m a bit sad I was so focused on following the score and listening analytically for mistakes that I didn’t get a chance to just kind of…take it in. My impression was: static, colourful music with sparkles. This is what I wanted! I can’t wait until I get the recording, though, and just listen to it as a big picture. One of the ‘cellists came up to me afterwards and gave me some comments: the orchestration was brilliant, he said, but I needed more of a development*. Which is true! I have never been a very strong composer when it comes to form. This is something I’m working on. After “The Pleiades” is done, after my aural comic is done, I shall write a very strictly formed piece. Maybe a Minuet and Trio? Maybe I’ll just orient it shape-wise. But yes, Peter bothered me about not having enough development or climax in “Analogue” too, and it is my Fatal Flaw. But I was excited that people liked my orchestration! There are *jobs* for orchestrators. I suspect that any advantage I had over the other composers in that respect is because I play a wind instrument (and the others were pianists, a percussionist, and a vocalist). So not only do I work melodically (where the others work harmonically, it seems, except Mike-the-Baritone), but I know that playing a part that really, truly, matters is so much more stimulating than doubling all the time! Also I might have some more intuition about ranges and things that are possible because I have played in an orchestra, have more orchestral-instrument friends (who complain about less-than-excellent writing for their instrument) than, say, a pianist, and have been questioned about the many KWS concerts I have attended by Jim.

(I have used Lent as an excuse to give up excuses for Lent. The above is not an excuse, it is a musing upon why a wind player might have an advantage as an orchestrator.)

I interviewed Edwin Outwater the other day, and will post the transcript of that interview on Wednesday, which is when the article will be published in The Cord. I thought it went really well! I had a giant list of questions, and by the end was just asking things I was curious about. AND I got an invitation to the KWS press conference for the 09/10 season which is on Wednesday. Press conference! I am the Press! I am on assignment.

That phrase will never get boring to me.

This Sunday night is a NUMUS concert featuring the Ives Ensemble and Continuum, two new music ensembles (one from Toronto, one from Holland). I might very well go, since I finish work at 4:30, and Glenn says he can provide us with cheap tickets. Peter says it is incredible for a large ensemble like the two of them combined play together so tightly, like a much smaller ensemble, so it should be a great show.

OPEN EARS! IT IS IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS!

Check out that site. There are bits of my writing all over.

*He also said I was talented. WOO TALENTED!