19 September 2020

A Factual Report, Not a Lament

Bebida del Diablo.
Postcards From Red Squirrel Trail

When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall
Think of it
always.

— Ghandhi

Twin disappointments from two calls (albeit always a statistical probability) took the wind out of my composerly sails.  And although I had been thinking of writing a piece for a choral music call, I am disinclined to seek more punishment so actively.

I have been thinking about the next organ piece, just haven't yet summoned the will to work again.

In better news, Janet wrote to say that she is enthusiastic for the song.




04 September 2020

Nope, Not This Time, Neither

Neither a brewer nor a vintner be.
Porridger’s Almanack (Breakfast of Ganglions)

Find a place you trust, and then try trusting it for a while.
— Jn Cage

I didn’t set out to fact-check Jerry Garcia ... as noted here, the first line of “Alabama Getaway” is: Thirty-two teeth in a jawbone, but actually, that should be Sixteen, yes?

Rapido! 2020 sent my rejection today, so I can reveal that my 5-minute piece for clarinet and string trio bears the title, The Mask I Wore Before




01 September 2020

Another Arrow

What if the Think Tanks were Thin Tanks?
Porridger’s Almanack (Breakfast of Ganglions)

Backwater, there were six of us but now we are five
We’re all talking to keep the conversation alive.

— Brian Eno

Today I received confirmation that the Royal College of Organists received my submission for their call. Cannot win, if you don’t play.