Sonata

        

Entire work (1’43″)
Griffin Campbell, s. sx, & Michael Straus, b. sx

I. 05.19.09 (reduce)
II. 05.03.09 (reuse)
III. 05.26.09 (recycle)

The Sonata (2009) draws from a variety of field recordings representing crucial tasks of environmental concern (e.g. reducing usage of Styrofoam or one’s car, reusing water, and recycling various items). Each movement’s title acts as a timestamp, referring to the date of the incorporated recordings. To further accentuate such thoughts, the music is printed on the opposite side of related (or opposing) photographs.

The music is derived from the rhythms, textures, and harmonic features inherent within the recorded sounds, treating the saxophones and electronics as equals. While the brief work stands as its own musical entity, it is hoped that people operate their lives in a similar manner, at least taking small, extra efforts to care for the planet in which we live. The work was commissioned by Griffin Campbell and Michael Straus.

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