Reflections
Instrumentation: Solo Oboe
Duration: 4'
Premiere: Gibson Mahnke(November 6, 2022)

Program Notes
Reflections, for solo oboe, provides a medium through which both the audience and performer can reflect. Each of the three movements symbolizes a different type of self-reflection, with their aqueous titles being metaphors for the types. “The Fog” provides a place to reflect on the past. The dissonant multiphonics and frantic melodic gestures serve as a reminder of the dangers of dwelling on the past. Movement II, "The Pond" provides a place to reflect on the present. The sprightly melodic lines remind us of the importance of being active in the present. Finally, "The River" gives the audience and performer time to reflect on the future. The slow, flowing passages encourage the listener to view the future as simply a continuation of the present. Overall, Reflections encourages all people to take time out of their day for self-reflection.