Matthew Kennedy | composer
| ripple
Instrumentation: concerto for alto saxophone, wind ensemble (grade 4), & fixed media See score sample below
Duration: 14'00"
Commissioner: Keene State Concert Band, John Hart - Director
Year Composed: 2023
Premiere: Keene State College Concert Band
Dr. John Hart, director
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Program Note:
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Small changes happen everyday, in fact, they are one of the most pedestrian of activities we humans can observe. But what if enough small changes take place? A ripple is formed and over time it can gain momentum. RIPPLE explores the small changes we experience and, on occasion, change who we are.
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“Of Changes” considers the immense self-doubt, obheaval, unfettered optimism, and sobering reality that is faced leading up to and in the wake of majors life choices.
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“Of Questions” meditates on iconic text by poet Walt Whitman (O Me! O Life!) questioning what we are here for and what can we contribute.
“Of Hope” concludes the work with a more weather-worn approach to the naïve optimism found earlier in the piece with a reflection on text by Robert Kennedy (Ripple of Hope). Here we do not delve into cynicism but rather think of a future in which our own insignificant ripples may some day turn into towering waves.
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