Gregory Mertl (1969)

Madra's Musings (2005)

duration: 8:00

Madra's Musings is my attempt to explore ground similar to Debussy's mesmerizing Sonata for flute, viola and harp. In this work, Debussy features the distinct timbres of each instrument, but also conjures up totally new sound worlds through his novel combinations. Like the Debussy, in Madra's Musings each instrument is given equal footing - no one member dominates. The ensemble as a whole conveys a richly harmonic sound. Beginning plaintively in the viola, the piece unfolds quietly and gives rise to moments of great lyricism leading to dramatic, forceful passages. Although the form of the piece is fluid, there is, at times, the unexpected return to earlier sections. The bird-like flute solo, which sounds so much like a jumping off point earlier in the work, becomes - surprisingly - its concluding material. I am indebted to janus for the genesis of the work. Had they not come together as a group, they would never have received this score from an admirer. ~ Gregory Mertl