Peter Garland: Music for Small Ensembles

Presented by Nonsequitur and Washington Composers Forum.

Peter Garland is one of the great heirs of the cranky American Experimental Tradition that includes composers such as Ives, Ruggles, Cowell, Cage, Harrison, Nancarrow, and Partch. Currently living in Maine, Garland spent many years living in the American Southwest and Mexico, studying and absorbing various indigenous folk musics. His mature music combines elements of minimalism with folky dance rhythms and gentle lyricism to stunningly beautiful effect. Tonight’s program features some of Garland’s works for chamber ensembles, performed by Seattle musicians: I Have Had to Learn the Simplest Things Last (Cristina Valdes, piano; Pacific Rims Percussion Quartet, vibraphone/marimba/claves/tambourine); Songs of Exile & Wine (Emily Greenleaf, mezzo soprano; Cristina Valdes, piano); Symphony No. 1: “New Chants” (Sarah Bassingthwaighte, flute/piccolo; Jesse Canterbury, clarinet; Chris Stover, trombone).