Story Behind The Song

Early Reflection was originally composed in January 1998 in response to a call for scores for reading by the Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Mariusz Smolij. The piece was revised tree times, in April 1998, October 1999, and November 2001. The title refers to a common term dealing with reverberation and how it is simulated in the recording studio. Early reflections of sound (the first few reflections of a particular sound event) are of primary importance in simulating a reverberant chamber realistically. In this piece, the concept of early reflection rules the structure and material of the music. Instead of using electronic devices or the echoes of a true chamber, the piece is scored to produce its own reverberation in the form of multiple canons at the unison.

Song Description

Early Reflection moves through a number of moods, using a relatively small amount of melodic material, developed continually. The piece begins dreamily with woodwinds, before adding the strings and then the brass and percussion to build to a quick climax. After that, the piece goes on a journey of different moods and textures before returning to the opening music, altered in reflection of the journey that has occurred. This piece won the Region V (West) division of the 1999 Society of Composers Young Composers Competition.

Lyrics

N/A