Catalogue

Program Note:

Spark /spark /n. 1 a small fiery particle thrown off from a fire, alight in ashes, or produced by striking together two hard surfaces such as stone or metal. 2 a sense of liveliness and excitement.

Perhaps the greatest part of the composition process is that initial spark of creativity. Over time, that spark slowly blossoms into a work of art; artwork with structure, melody, personality, emotion, and most importantly an evocative message.

Spark was written to collide two worlds together. Much like its dictionary definition, Spark coalesces a fast-paced, energetic nature with a contemplative, introspective and somewhat ethereal side. We have so many thoughts and emotions that surge inside. Sometimes the intensity of the different emotions collides to create something mysterious, new and provocative. Spark embodies this combination of the many wonderfully chaotic emotions that are part of the human experience.

A goal of expressing myself through music is to encourage not just a passive audience, but to create an experience; perhaps inspiration, contemplation, or evocation of emotion. The hope with Spark is that it communicates an essence that is unique to the listener. Since art is so subjective, every listener should be able to view the piece in a way that resonates within them.

When I set out to compose this piece, I wanted to communicate my love of music, my love of creativity, my love of communicating without words. Whatever the listener takes away, my hope is that it creates a spark that may allow them to deepen their love of music so they can experience what I felt as Spark came out of my mind, onto the page, through my fingers and into the ears of the listener.