World premiere: Dec. 3, 2025, Ateneo Veneto, Venice, Italy, the Plurimo Ensemble
“On Waves was composed in 2024 for the Plurimo Ensemble of Venice, and is dedicated to the group and its director, Letizia Michielon. It was a pleasure to contribute this piece to a 100th anniversary celebration of composer Luciano Berio’s birth; the playfulness of his music has been inspiring for me. An additional inspiration for this work was the city of Venice itself. The title alludes to its shimmering waterways, as does the work’s opening motif. A lilting clarinet motif gently moves repeatedly from high register to low. A flute counter-theme soon joins in, and the lulling idea eventually gives way to a joyful exposition. An extended middle section presents two dances, the first in stately 4/4 time, with rolling clarinet arpeggios supporting the flute’s flowing melody, and then a lighter Pavane (3/4 time) accompanied by short tremolo interjections. The fast music returns, and just before the work’s conclusion, the lilting waves are once more recalled.” LK