Heavy
Commissioned by Levels
Quintet version commissioned by fivebyfive
Unlike many of my works, Heavy is not programmatic, nor does it evoke some extra-musical topic. The title is inspired by the instrumentation of Levels, the commissioning ensemble, comprised of instruments with heavy and dark timbres (bass clarinet, trombone, viola, electric guitar, and percussion). I sought to exploit those dark timbres throughout the piece through sharp accents, drawn-out motivic processes, pulsing grooves, and a deeply emotional slow section.
Heavy was commissioned by Levels, a student ensemble based at Lawrence University, my alma mater, and recorded on their album, Still, available now through Bandcamp.
Heavy was commissioned by Levels, a student ensemble based at Lawrence University, my alma mater, and recorded on their album, Still, available now through Bandcamp.