Gouaches Découpées

Year: 2019
Duration: 9’
Instrumentation: clarinet, piano, and cello

I. Slow and pensive

II. Vigorous and agitated

III. With humor and playfulness

IV. Wild and unhinged

Program Note: The title of this piece, Gouaches Découpées, refers to a body of work by Henri Matisse, known by the same name. These artworks were created from intricately cut paper, and I wanted to represent these “cut-outs” musically, in a set of miniatures. Gouaches Découpées represents my interest in exploring the “miniature”, and its expressive potential in solo and chamber music. While it was initially challenging to write four movements that contrast with one another, I ultimately gained a better understanding of writing music that is brief, and at the same time, meaningful.