mixed chamber ensemble (2016)
Performed by The GVSU New Music Ensemble.
Vixen is available on Dawn Chorus by The GVSU New Music Ensemble. (Innova Recordings)
instrumentation
flute
clarinet in Bb
alto saxophone
vibraphone
piano
violin
cello
details
Duration: 6 minutes
Commissioned by: Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble with support from The National Endowment for the Arts
Premiere: July 1-9, 2016
GVSU New Music Ensemble at Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Grand Teton National Park
purchase
DIGITAL / PDF
Score + parts — $45
PRINT
Score + parts available from Theodore Front
Digital performance materials will be emailed within 1-3 business days.
program note
Vixen was commissioned by the Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble for its National Parks Project, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts. During the early planning stages for this music, inspired by Yellowstone National Park, I discovered the Yellowstone Sound Library, a fantastic online resource offering field recordings from across the park. I was particularly captivated by the sounds of the different geysers, especially the Vixen geyser, which intrigued me due to its unique eruption pattern. Its explosions are rhythmic and punchy, followed by a surprisingly mellow, gurgling finish as the water drains back into its crater. I chose to shape the composition based on the eruption’s form—the first three-quarters of the piece have a driving, relentless pulse marked by fits and starts before the rhythmic material suddenly halts, giving way to softly overlapping layers of extended tones and bubbling trills that gradually fade into silence. I couldn’t resist the title Vixen, which perfectly captures the geyser’s unpredictable, spitfire disposition!