Modular Miniatures for a Pandemic Performance - works by Adam Billings
Adam Billings is a Pacific Northwest-based composer of contemporary music who is currently living in New York. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School, where he studied with revered composer and teacher Dr. Robert Beaser on scholarship and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Composition with a minor in Impact Entrepreneurship at The New School. Adam studies with Mr. Timo Andres at the Mannes School of Music.
In the Fall of 2020, we asked Adam to compose some works for our combined oboe, clarinet and bassoon studios so that students would have some new music to work on that fit the restrictions of the pandemic. Students began practicing these pieces in Fall quarter and have recorded them in Winter quarter as a part of this Pandemic Performance concert.
The music on this concert stems from the limitations of socially distanced performance. Instead of playing music that relies heavily on a strict rhythmic pulse, the musicians are given the freedom to improvise and experiment with different combinations of free rhythm and harmony. By imposing subtle limitations, the performers can feel completely free to improvise without playing something dissonant in relation to the ensemble. This experiment has proven equally enjoyable by all parties involved. Classical performers that are so used to playing exactly what is written down for them can try improvising in a forgiving setting. This allows for a new holistic way to experience chamber music.
Adam Billings
What you will see is each group’s interpretations of Adam’s works. Since there is some element of chance in each piece, there is a lot of room for interpretation. We hope you enjoy this performance of works for wind trio.
Featuring the studios of Jennifer Weeks (oboe), Erika Block (clarinet) and Pat Nelson (bassoon)
Disability Accommodations
For disability accommodations, please contact the department presenting the event. Disability access information is available online at Parking Services, and further resources can be found by contacting Western's Disability Access Center.
