SKU: PR.41641410L

UPC: 680160601554. 11 x 17 inches.

SKU: CA.1633400

ISBN 9790007181253. Language: all languages.

SKU: AP.12-0571539327

ISBN 9780571539321. English.

Nature, Tansy Davies' gloriously offbeat concerto for piano and ten instruments from 2012, teems with invention. This 20-minute work was inspired by shamanic rituals and the supernatural, and Davies describes the piano as 'part moth, part Maenad'. There is a feral quality to much of the tumultuous solo writing---all hyperactive trills and gutsy bass eruptions, shot through with rare and unexpected moments of calm. Brilliantly imaginative, and packed full of glistening, ever-changing ensemble textures, this remarkable reimagining of the concerto form sees Davies craft yet another thrilling and wholly distinctive soundworld.

SKU: PR.41641422L

UPC: 680160602070. 11 x 17 inches.

SKU: PR.114419080

ISBN 9781491114216. UPC: 680160671595. 9 x 12 inches.

Composing for Boston Music Viva on a Fromm Foundation grant, Melinda Wagner drewinspiration from an astounding video of an industrious little pufferfish and his sand artistry.Working 24 hours a day, he carves out a beautiful medallion of swirls and ridges, in the hopeof attracting a sweetheart. Wagner has written, “I was so moved by the careful preparation,determination, patience, and artistry of this little fish, who has no guarantees of finding true love.The phenomenon reminded me very much of the act of composing – of creating something outof nothing, with few guarantees.”.
Several years ago, a friend shared the most marvelous video with me. In it, an industrious little puffer fish begins to prepare an elaborate work of artistry – his “etchings” – in hopes of attracting a sweetheart. Using only his fins, he prepares the “canvas” (the sandy ocean floor), and for the next week, working 24 hours a day, he carves a beautiful medallion of swirls and ridges. Shell pieces and pebbles are collected to adorn the masterpiece. And he waits.I was so moved by the careful preparation, determination, patience, and artistry of this little fish who has no guarantees of finding true love. The phenomenon reminded me very much of the act of composing – of creating something out of nothing with few guarantees. Rather than attempting to capture any action programmatically, I tried instead to express, in the abstract, the sense of anticipation, lovelorn hopefulness – and the optimism of a tiny, unsung hero. [The puffer fish is a member of the Chordata phylum.]-Melinda WagnerAugust 2018.