u s t e n a n c e

for clarinet, cello, and piano

P e r f o r m a n c e N o t e s

- All accidentals carry through the measure and only apply to the octave in which they appear.

- All grace notes sound before the beat (unless otherwise indicated).

- The cellist may choose to use a pick for extended passages of pizzicato, and this choice should remain consistent throughout the work.

I first collaborated with Music Chairs Chamber Ensemble in 2015 after having won its annual Composer Search competition. When Tamara Keshecki, Executive & Artistic Director of MCCE, invited me to serve as the 2018–19 Composer-in-Residence, I was delighted to accept and compose a new work for the ensemble.

I composed Sustenance for clarinet, cello, and piano during the spring of 2019. When I learned that the 2018–19 season would be MCCE's last, I knew that I wanted to compose a work that celebrates the ensemble's remarkable history and achievements within the Staten Island community. Sustenance is an exuberant, energetic work that travels between quiet, introspective moments and boldly energetic passages.

When Tamara and I initially discussed this commission, we spoke about a desire to create music for the sake of creating music—because we're moved to create, and because it sustains us. And, that is exactly what Musical Chairs Chamber Ensemble accomplished over its 15-year life: it provided meaningful sustenance to its community of listeners and musicians.

*Throughout the work, the cellist may choose to use a pick for pizzicato passages.