Orchestration:

1111 . 1111 . 2perc . pno . sopr . 22221

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Duration:

33'

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Performances:

Premiered March 29, 2025 at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Gildenhorn Hall; The University of Maryland

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Note:

Inspired by the vivid and poetic writing of American environmentalist Sigurd F. Olson, Lost to the Sounds of the World explores how place might be exhibited through music and how one might use music as a ‘place’ of its own: a place to think, a place to escape, or a place to discover. The title is taken from a passage found in Olson’s book Listening Point where he paints an arresting picture of finding fulfillment and wonder in nature. In the first chapter of the book, Olson describes his ideal plot of land—his Listening Point—one which contained everything he needed to be able to think clearly, to experience wonder, and to recapture curiosity. While he lists only his own personal criteria, he later emphasizes that everyone has a listening point of their own, a place which reflects their own needs and values.

 

The first movement begins with a field recording of rain I took while on a camping trip in Northern Minnesota, the same wilderness that Olson fought his entire life to protect. This rain is then filtered into a hazy chord which is echoed by the percussion, piano, and soprano as they gently enter and enrich the texture. As the rain clears, the soprano begins to sing text comprised of Olson’s criteria for the perfect plot of land—what he was seeking in his own listening point—and words inspired by his writing. I hope that this movement invites listeners to consider for themselves what kind of ‘place’ their own listening point might be. 

 

Also inspired by the artist Christi Belcourt and her painting The Wisdom of the Universe, the second movement, one beating organism pulsing like a heart, represents the pulsations of life all around us. Each instrument fades into and out of a sprawling tapestry, creating an immersive texture, a space for reflection, and a place to become lost in.