AND THE DOGWOOD SINGS (2020)

Commissioned by the LA Philharmonic National Composers Intensive. Written for Matthew Howard.

For solo percussion (flower pots, with optional humming)
Duration: ca. 5’00”

program notes

In Kentucky we have many “little winters”- such as Blackberry Winter, Linsey-Woolsey Britches Winter, Locust Winter, and Redbud Winter - but the little winter that’s always resonated the most with me is Dogwood Winter. It usually happens between mid April and early May, and in this abrupt cold wave temperatures can dip so low that it actually frosts or snows.

There’s a dogwood tree in my backyard and I’ve spent endless hours staring out the window, watching its colors slowly change from green to orange to red to black...but in the spring the most beautiful pink blossoms appeared seemingly overnight, and just as soon as they bloomed the Dogwood Winter came and they were gone. It felt kind of cruel that nature would upend such a beautiful sight.

Soon enough, though, the new leaves came in and in the spring breeze, they make the most magnificent sound. In what might have been the most uncertain time of my life - of any of our lives - the dogwood tree reminded me even after a surprise winter, there will be life and growth on the other side.

At least some things are certain: Eventually, the sun comes out. The grass greens. And the dogwood sings.

- Susanna Hancock (2020)

Performances