Forest Sounds

Forest Sounds was composed in 2013 as a commission for the Inspirare Duo, clarinetist Gail Zugger and flutist Lisa Jelle and premiered by them in October of that year. The piece is one movement, divided into four sections, each focusing on a concept of sound within a forest. The first section is bird calls, featuring the robin and cardinal. Section two introduces waterfowl with conversations between the sandpiper, mallard duck, and loon. Section three features the small critters: squirrel, chipmunk and rabbit scurrying about on the forest floor. The final section is a portrait of all the animals on a sunny summer day enjoying a multitude of simultaneous conversations. Tempo markings and alterations should be viewed as guides. The performers should feel free to allow the music to push and pull as they wish. Enjoy!