The western meadowlark is a beautiful bird with an even more beautiful voice. Distinguishable by its pure whistles and gurgling warbles, a male's song pierces through his surroundings, adding a lovely melody to any ambience. This piece attempts to mimic such sublime sounds through the delicate harmonics of the viola. Other tones across the register of the instrument add ambience to these motives and gently fill the spaces in between, culminating in a homely melody.

Dedicated to my sister.

What is a composer to do when the world is at a standstill? He sits alone in his studio and writes music as he always does, of course. However, thoughts of the pandemic and its isolating effect on society continue to creep into his mind as he engages with his instruments. The music he produces is dark, introspective, tinged with melancholy. Out there, the composer cannot help but contemplate, millions of people are shut up in their homes. Out there, in spite of digital communications, they feel a lack of interaction and grow lonely in the long, empty hours. Out there, with the death toll ever rising, they witness the consequences of a fallen world and can do nothing but pray. 

If you have ever lost a beloved pet, you know it can be just as hard as losing a friend or family member. This piece was written to commemorate a loyal dog of 12 years who finally lost his battle with cancer over the summer of 2018.

Dedicated to my mother.