Duration: 5’
Instrumentation: Piano
About the piece:
1st place and audience choice prize at the inaugural Carl E. Baldassarre Composer/Performer competition.
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.
Performances:
March 30, 2014 (PREMIERE)
Mixon Hall at the Cleveland Institute of Music
Piano: Alex Berko
July 12, 2015
Sunflower Ballroom at the Himawari Hotel in Cambodia
Piano: Nicholas Ho
Recorded by: Bruce Gigax
Score and parts available for purchase. Please contact Alex for inquiries.