Performed 4 November 2006 at Michigan Theater by the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Arie Lipsky conducting

Instrumentation

Program note: 

2 Flutes (Piccolo)
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets in Bb
Bass Clarinet in Bb
2 Bassoons

Upon reaching the end of a very difficult time in my life, it occurred to me that periods of change and transition are the times in which we grow the most as people. Our understanding of the world is shaped by our experiences and considerable transformations take place when things are least certain because we are forced to find ways to make sense of our circumstances.

To me, this intermezzo expresses not the end or the beginning, but the inbetween time connecting two distinctly different life experiences. First, the curse must be lifted and only then can the healing, the recovery, and the rediscovery begin.

Timpani
3 Percussion

Piano/Celesta

Strings

______________________________________________________
Word on the street:
"The evening began with the premiere of University of Michigan
composition student Kirsten Volness' "Intermezzo: End, Begin,'' in which woodwinds were punctuated by some interesting percussion. The work, which began in an almost meditative way, building from there to an airy, dance-like climax, was a promising debut for the composer."