About a month ago, I was invited to take part in a speedwriting project sponsored by the Philadelphia Network for New Music. The only information about the project we were given? To write a 2-3 minute piece inspired by a folk song for a small ensemble. On Friday, January 24th, the specifics folk song and instrumentation choices would be emailed to us, and the completed music was due by Sunday at 6pm.
It was a whirlwind composing process. I selected “Down by the Riverside” to serve as inspiration, and wrote for cello and piano. The piece turned out as a bouncy, jubilant dance, straddling the classical and jazz idioms. Interestingly, among the other composers involved, I took the most ‘literal’ approach with the original tune. Take a listen to “We are one and undivided.” below.
I hope it is as much fun to listen to as it was to write! The process of extracting inspiration from a well-known tune was rewarding, and I hope to write other folk-song-inspired pieces for cello and piano to pair with this one, but for now, enjoy!
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