For my wonderful friends and colleagues at Eastman, who graciously offered their expertise for my Master’s recital.
 
Reflections of Air and Sea traces the emotional and physical landscape of rain, from the first stirring winds of a storm to the stillness that follows its passing. Written in three movements, the work explores the dialogue between motion and reflection, chaos and calm, air and water.
 
I. Approaching Squall
The first movement bursts to life with siren-like intensity, immediately immersing the listener in the energy of an inevitable storm. Rapid exchanges between the saxophones evoke gusts of wind, while the percussion pounds like the churning waves and the piano rhythmically anchors the surging motion beneath. The music grows increasingly turbulent, gathering force as the squall nears. By the end, the music crashes outward in rolling, thunderous resonance, like a tempest in full release.
 
II. Wind and Waves
Following the onset of the storm’s fury, the second movement turns inward, unfolding with quiet grace and introspection. The texture becomes more spacious, and the dialogue between instruments drifts gently, like ripples spreading across a calm surface, formed by the very first drops of rain. Subtle harmonic shifts and suspended phrases suggest a fragile peace – the air still heavy with the memory of the rain.
 
III. Cascading Skies
The final movement captures the moment when the storm gives way to radiance. Bright, flowing arpeggios shimmer and interlace, evoking the beauty of rainfall cascading from the heavens, as thunder rolls overhead. Rhythmic vitality and luminous harmonies create a sense of renewal and release, as motion gradually transforms into new light. In this final outpouring, Reflections of Air and Sea finds its resolution as turbulence and tranquility finally merge into a single, expansive breath.