When the pandemic hit, the Nancy and Barry Sanders Composer Fellows changed course from writing large chamber music projects to writing solo etudes for LA Phil musicians. Hear Exploration (Motion) by Aidan Vass performed by Andrew Lowy.

Program notes

The largest obstacle for me when I began writing my Exploration (Motion) was the lack of harmony available with one clarinet. When I write music, I want there to be a full and immersive sound, but the clarinet can only play one note at a time. With this in mind, the piece is an attempt at simulating harmony through various types of sonic motion. The contour moves in all directions, making the listener feel as though there is more to the piece than a single clarinet.

To learn more about the Nancy and Barry Sanders Composer Fellowship Program, go to http://laphil.com/cfp