Memories from a Trip to Schafberg
1) Forest Sound (0:00)
2) Strenuous Hike (3:40)
3) Cow Bells (6:20)
(for Violin, Horn, Piano)
Premiered by Vincent Bellemare, Elisa Lanchon, Noah Larocque
April 2024
It was July 2023 when I was embarking on a road trip across Austria. In one of the early days, I was hiking the Schafberg mountain near Salzburg. The hike started from the green forest at the base of the mountain, with its natural soundscape smoothly accompanying the walk. Breezes caressing against the leaves as well as bird sounds and insects chirping can be heard. As much as I enjoyed the nature, the hike was very demanding physically with an elevation of around 1300 meters high above the surrounding lakes, and I felt as if the path was becoming steeper and steeper. At the start of the journey, I was very eager and full of energy but by the end of it, I felt as if each of my steps were becoming heavier and heavier with the end of the trail nowhere in sight. However, as I emerged from the forest, the sight at the peak of the mountain was sublime and worth all the effort. Herds of cows can be seen grazing, lying and resting in the open alpine meadows with numerous colossal mountains stretching far beyond the background landscape. The soundscape was dominated by the soft and continuous tinkling of the cow bells. They were like tiny, calm and serene music vibrating into my ears.
Undulating Water
(for Alto Saxophone, Cello, Piano)
Premiered by Joel Diegert, Liina Leijala, Alfredo Ovalles
July 2023
"Undulating Water" is inspired by the soundscape associated with water streams. As different streams join in from multiple sources, they clash together, creating inner agitation and oscillation. The streams culminate into a huge flow that climaxes toward the middle of the piece, leading toward a calm and serene body of water such as a lake. Through the stillness of the landscape, each tiny moment, for example water droplets, have such a contemplative and meditative impact. Some residuals of the violent streams persist from time to time as tiny undulating ripples that slowly disperse away.
Flock of Seagulls Over a Fishing Boat
(for Bass Clarinet, Percussion & Violin)
Premiered by Tyler McDonald, Maitreyi Muralidharan, Sarah Watts
June 2023
This piece was written during my stay in Lunenburg. Lunenburg is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site at the coastal end of Canada in Nova Scotia that serves as a fishing town. Inspired by the beauty of the town and of the surrounding soothing ocean waves, the aim of this piece was to recreate the soundscape associated with being on board a fishing boat. The most prominent sounds are the sound of a boat bell ringing and of a boat horn signalling through the crashing waves. However, one could momentarily abstract the chaotic noise to enjoy fresh breezes along with the calm sizzling of wave foam. This quick meditation is soon interrupted by the squawking of seagulls flying above the boat as they are attracted by the caught fishes. The wind is also blowing violently against the mast, and one could almost hear the chatter of the fishermen working together. Finally, whereas the sound of the ocean can be chaotic, its unceasing waves can also bring a state of serenity and of relaxation.