It feels weird to post about a piece called Thaw just as the weather is starting to cool down, but here we are! Becky Turro's piece, inspired by a trip they took to Acadia National Park is a beautiful exploration of the transformation of water, from frozen to flowing. We loved putting this piece together and we look forward to performing it again! Here are Becky's program notes about their piece:
Thaw was inspired by a trip with my girlfriend to Acadia National Park, Maine in early March. Each movement is about a specific part of Acadia we encountered during our time in the national park.
The first movement, "Hyperborea," was inspired by Cadillac Mountain, seen in the aftermath of a snowstorm that arrived on our first day there. The second movement is titled "Echo Lake," which is also a place within Acadia. This movement begins with a smooth, frozen texture that slowly thaws and melts away as the sun comes out. The third movement, titled "Kaleidoscope Cove," is the most flowing and bright, and characterizes the ocean dancing and crashing against the orange cliffs.
Chronologically, the movements move from frozen to melted, thawing into the arrival of spring.
Vanguard Reed Quintet returns to First Presbyterian Church of Ypsilanti on April 19 for an evening of reed quintet music exploring ideas of nature, mythology, and storytelling!