Composition

Notes

During breaks from composing, my computer frequently offers videos of wingsuit flying, an activity in which some brave souls happily jump from great heights (tops of mountains or buildings, or from airplanes) and glide downward wearing a webbed suit, much like a flying squirrel. Many wingsuiters have posted videos shot from their helmets, which offers earthbound composers and others a glimpse of their spectacular flights.

For several minutes, the viewer is vicariously privy to the giddy sensations of jumping into the abyss, to the serene views of countryside thousands of feet below, to the terror of skimming close to stony ridges at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour, and at the last minute, to a parachute opening, offering the chance of trying it again.

These images found their way into “Winging It”, with moments of high, whistling harmonics, swooping, dangerous melodic gestures, and driving rhythm.

“Winging It” was commissioned by the daredevil and brilliant cellist Robert deMaine, who asked for a challenging showpiece without a parachute. (I, on the other hand, could certainly use one.)