PROGRAM NOTES

“Studzinski at Sundown” was composed for a wonderful pianist and close friend of mine who I met at Bowdoin Music Festival last summer. As the work’s quirkiness and looseness would suggest, it went through several titles including “Zombitized” and “Zombidized”, alluding to late nights watching Ghibli and horror movies, laughing, going out for gelato, talking until dawn, and resultantly getting little sleep. Despite this tiredness, the work reflects these meaningful moments, aiming to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

 

One memorable aspect of Bowdoin was staying in Studzinski Recital Hall after performances ended and everyone had left, playing the piano, watching YouTube, and sight reading piano four-hands. The piece blends aspects of stride piano, jazz, pop, film, as well as 19th and 20-Century classical music. In this way, the music reflects the change in scene and vibe, from a formal concert performance to a more laid-back atmosphere.