Get to know the Cycle 17 Fellows!
In anticipation of our in-person residency for Cycle 17 (!) of the Bahlest Eeble Readings Program, we asked Composer Fellows Isaac, Oswald, Carolina, and Udi a few questions about their experience so far writing for violin and harp duo.
How have you found writing for violin and harp?
Isaac: Writing for violin and harp has posed challenges (some foreseen, others not). I typically work at a piano which although is similar to the harp in some ways- is different in most. What I have come to love is the immense timbral and expressive potential of both the harp and violin in conversation.
Oswald: The two instruments can be so complementary, but have very different approaches to technique and sound production. I have been interested in just intonation and other tunings lately, so it was a real challenge to incorporate that with the harp especially.
Carolina: Writing chamber music for the harp is something new for me; it is amazing to hear all the colors and possibilities that the instrument offers and at the same time it challenges me to be careful to write idiomatically. The combination of both instruments is unique and fun to explore.
Udi: Writing for the harp in a chamber music context has been particularly enjoyable for me. I’ve written for harp in orchestral settings where it tends to fill the expected glissando-y roles. But in this duo setting, where the textures are so transparent, I get a chance to bring out other, more intimate aspects of the instrument.
Is the process of collaborating with performers from the earliest “seed” of an idea new for you? How have you felt about it?
Isaac: I have had opportunities to workshop music over extended periods of time in the past (for which I am decidedly fortunate); however, working with violinist Hyeyung Yoon and harpist Jennifer Ellis has been a unique experience in that they both were very detailed and caring with their feedback; something I had yet to experience up until participating in these readings!
Oswald: Going this in depth with musicians and having the luxury of so much time is definitely new for me. The commitment of the performers is the cherry on top, and I'm excited for the continued collaboration!
Carolina: It's great to be able to workshop short parts of the piece. I feel I am learning how to better express what I want to hear in the music and communicate with the performers.
Udi: The seed idea/workshop process has been great because it gave me the gift of time. Too often with composing, I find myself rushing to meet deadlines, which naturally limits the ability to experiment and pushes me towards using tried and true methods. But here, with the fellowship spread over many months, I have the chance to let my musical ideas really simmer on low heat, so to speak, and mature at a natural pace.
Are you looking forward to anything in particular during your week long residency in Boonville?
Isaac: I'm looking forward to meeting everyone involved with the program and getting to know them as people! It was so lovely to hear about their music and motivations for leading a 'musical life' over these past few months (online). Looking forward to learning more about their lives.
Oswald: I'm looking forward to meeting the other composer (in person)s, and getting to know them and their music.
Carolina: I am so excited to meet and learn from the other composers and the performers. I also look forward to disconnecting and immersing myself in California's beautiful nature.
Udi: I'm excited about the chance to meet everyone in person and to explore a new location, enjoying a change of scenery and pace.
Any upcoming projects you’re working on/looking forward to?
Isaac: I am currently working on my first ever string quartet! For some reason or other-- be it precedent or limitless possibilities-- I have long been intimidated by the genre. I am excited to finally take a crack at it. As of right now the piece is an exploration of transformed repetition, with a reference to the growth of trees pondered in Richard Powers' novel The Overstory.
Oswald: I'm looking forward to moving to Louisville this summer for the Louisville Orchestra Creator Corps.
Carolina: I look forward to returning to Boonville for a year to work for the Youth Music Program, where I will teach and have time to compose for multiple projects.
Udi: I’m currently working on two projects with ensembles in Germany that draw inspiration from and recontextualize canonical classical works. The first project is for a mixed ensemble of 14 players and choir, commissioned by Asambura ensemble. It’s part of AETERNEA, an interreligious requiem about eternity inspired by Brahms' Requiem. The second project is a composition for soprano, violin, cello, and harpsichord, written for Ensemble Arava, a baroque ensemble. I'd rather not reveal the concept yet, but I'll say it involves Couperin.