Program Note: In both its title and content, Rhapsody is deeply inspired by the provocative and virtuosic violin works of Paganini as well as Ravel, in particular Tzigane. As I began getting to know this wonderful work, I found myself allured by the musical language which blurred the lines between classical common-practice harmony and jazz - an emerging trend during the time in which Ravel wrote the work (premiered 1924) – as well as that language’s use in the context of violin writing that can be described as nothing short of masterful. As I started to sketch out Rhapsody, I experimented with similar types of gestures, moods, and string virtuosity. I was also enamored with how Ravel was able to achieve great communicative power, not simply through the energetic violin acrobatics on display, but through musical content that is as deeply felt as it is entertaining to listen to and watch. Rhapsody attempts to combine all of these elements in a modern-day American-influenced context.

Commisioned By: Les Deux (adapted for string quartet)

Premiere: The Euclid Quartet at Skidmore College, subsequent performance on the Charles Ives Concert Series at the Ridgefield Playhouse and by the Ulysses Quartet at the Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Mostly Music Series, Music Mountain, Rhode Island Chamber Music Concerts, and WQXR among others.