as if it were a scene made up by the mind, that is not mine, but is a made place (2025)

for Bb clarinet, violin, cello, piano

Commissioned by/ Premiere:

Duration:

Commissioned by the Cross-Country Chamber Consortium (Musiqa Houston, Alanta Chamber Players, SOLI chamber, Ensemble SRQ, Picosa)

First performance: November 1st, 2025 at MATCH Houston, TX by Musiqa Houston

11-12 minutes

Program note:

as if it were a scene made up by the mind, that is not mine, but is a made place takes its name from the first stanza of Robert Duncan's poem, Often I Am Permitted to Return to a Meadow. Reading this poem caused me to think about this idea of refuge and escape, which seems very relevant to me in a time where environmental stress is high due to a multitude of concerns socially and politically.

In the past year or so, I've found myself in various places outside of typically environmental and interpreted these places as refuges as a symbol of escape. However, when I can't "escape," I often reminisce on places I have been before or dream and conjure new realities.

This work showcases different episodes that are dreamlike states, mediating on the peacefulness of being in places that serve as refuges. However there is this tension  that always wants to pull out of this state, representing that one can't completely disconnect themselves from reality. The piece also takes into my account of the recent research I have been doing on the climate crisis and seeing past places and new places that have been in nature through this lens of profound admiration but also a sense of impermanence. Reckoning with the current state of the world brings a great sense of apprehension and urgency, but also gratitude and hope.