Woven Loom, Silver Spindle (world premiere, LA Phil commission)
At a Glance
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Composed
2021 -
Orchestration
2 flutes (2nd = alto flute, piccolo), 2 oboes (2nd = English horn), 2 clarinets (2nd = bass clarinet), 2 bassoons (2nd = contrabassoon), 2 horns, 2 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (bass drum, snare drum, suspended cymbal, Chinese cymbal, tam-tam, chimes, crotales, bamboo wind chimes, maracas, marimba, cabasa, 4 tom-toms, vibraslap, xylophone, glockenspiel, and vibraphone), harp, piano, strings, and solo violin
About this Piece
Woven Loom, Silver Spindle juxtaposes two contrasting images: the shining, agile, brightly spinning realm of the violin and the darker, heavier, all-encompassing framework of the larger orchestra. The orchestral tapestry oscillates between attempts to cradle, smother, and uplift the violin, while the violin weaves its way through shifting sound worlds to assert her own voice. Spinning wheels and looms have long been associated with creativity, motherhood, and the passage of time. I was drawn to the loom’s symbolism as well as its physical and musical motion. Through winding, lyrical lines that float over an undulating, pulsing ground, the piece moves through expansion, collapse, and renewal. It strives to evoke the intricate and methodical nature of creative work, the delicacy and strength required of motherhood, and the eternal, fleeting, cyclical nature of time. —Julia Adolphe
