Laminarity

“Laminar” is a term that is used to describe a fluid that has a completely unidirectional, non-turbulent flow. A few examples of this may immediately spring to mind (such as a slow sink faucet or “spitting” water fountain), but low-viscosity fluids such as water will very rarely, if ever, exist naturally in this state. By extension, Laminarity is a piece composed for English horn, alto sackbut, and viola which reflects this idea of uniformity through a slow exploration of harmony. The makeup of this trio is unconventional to say the least, but purposefully puts together instrumental voices which share an almost identical tessitura as well as very similar, complementing timbres. Each is an equal part of the composite texture, collectively cascading towards a moment of Renaissance-style counterpoint in the final fleeting moments of the piece, which pours out as if inevitably.

Laminarity is dedicated to Emma Tucker and Bianca Quigley, two of my closest friends and collaborators from the Peabody Institute, where we met through the graduate composition program. Preparing this piece served as our first time working together as performers, which came about as a part (or rather, subset) of Peabody’s recently established Composers’ Ensemble. I thank them wholeheartedly for their conviction in the piece’s premiere and, more generally, their willingness to entertain my ideas.

Performance Time: approx. 4’00”