"Myths are public dreams; dreams are private myths." —Joseph Campbell
Suite for Solo Cello consists of four movements, each representing both a musical character piece and an approach to verbal or literary expression in its stylistic treatment.
I. Prelude-Prose: Ideas relate to each other in familiar syntax; narrative is formed. II. Nocturne-Koan: By moving constantly, one moves not at all. III. Scherzo-Expletive: Smile is a four-letter word. IV. Ballad-Mythos: As we remember what was, shall we weep or sing?
The work was composed for - and in collaboration with - cellist Toby Kuhn during my travels France and Italy in the summer of 2009. Each movement seeks to capture some aspect of my personal experiences in each location I visited, in particular the cultural and historical weight of Paris, Jailly-les-Moulins, Monfort-l'Amaury, Ostia, and Rome.
