THEATER

Cretan Sun

Vocal soloists, SATB choir chamber orchestra 2015 / 23’40”

The core of Cretan Sun is the reinterpretation of ancient mythological characters. The piece, divided into ten segments that examine critical points of the tale, traces the story of Theseus and Ariadne from a practical and human perspective. The instrumentation functions as several smaller ensembles that join together at dramatic moments. These segments, when combined with the whole, invoke the fictional emotions of the characters, culminating in a single work that reimagines a familiar myth.

The Hunting of the Snark

Vocal soloist, flute, clarinet in B-flat, double bass, piano, percussion 2017 / 28’30”

The Hunting of the Snark is a song cycle based on the Lewis Carroll poem of the same name, written in collaboration with composer Sydney Kjerstad. The story follows the bizarre, and at times dark, adventures of a group of sailors searching for the elusive Snark. The Bellman’s Speech occurs early in the cycle, acting as a rally cry for the crew. The text is based on Carroll’s, though crafted into a new form. The Beaver's Lesson is one of several side stories in the tale, this being the moment when the Butcher teaches the Beaver how to properly calculate. Lastly, The Vanishing provides the conclusion to the story with two original verses added to the end. The purpose of this addition is to reflect on the true nature of hunting a snark, especially if that Snark may be the feared Boojum.