Composer’s Notes:

Trillium are a beautiful woodland flower found in slightly soggy areas in New England woods in the early spring. My first spring in Maine, I did not know the name of these flowers and was stunned by their surprising and delicate beauty. The music is partially inspired by Edward MacDowell’s Woodland Sketches, and memories of teaching these works to my grandfather, John H. Ball. This prelude is dedicated to him.

Composer’s Notes:

In this prelude I tried to capture the ever changing moonlight as it peaks in between the branches of the canopy onto the forest floor. The moon hides behind trees and clouds, subtly shifting the focus of attention.

Composer’s Notes:

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the only music making that I was able to do with other people, was playing bluegrass with my sister and brother-in-law. We were a ragtag band - cello, mandolin, and violin, with children and babies playing various hand percussion instruments and running around in the background. But the joy I felt at being able to play music with other people again was infectious. This prelude is loosely inspired by bluegrass and klezmer, and is dedicated to our family band.

Composer’s Notes:

Autumn in the woods brings an explosion of color, but when rain falls, the bright leaves on the forest floor turn to muted browns. Cold rain alludes to the coming snow, and compels me to cozy up indoors. This is prelude is musically inspiration by Chopin’s “Raindrop” Prelude Op. 28, No. 15.

Composer’s Notes:

Skunk cabbage does indeed smell funky, as anyone who has hiked in the Northeast in spring time can tell you. This prelude melds funk and minimalism into a joyful groove.