The Liminal Voices for orchestra is a single-movement, seven-and-a-half minute work scored for three flutes (third doubling piccolo), two oboes, English horn, two clarinets in B-flat, bass clarinet, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns in F, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, timpani, three percussionists, piano, harp, and strings. It is a reflection on my time spent in the woods of Northeast Vermont, inspired by the sounds of native woodland birds and the crumbling remains of old farms that are hidden there.
The aural intent of The Liminal Voices is to capture the sounds of the forests where I love to walk, and blend this soundscape with themes inspired by them. Therefore, a major sonic component of the work is the use of bird songs, which I recorded and transcribed. Each bird’s song is paired with a specific instrument, giving it a distinct timbre and character. Several texts also served as sources of inspiration—in particular, Robert Frost’s poem, “Directive.” This poem describes the experience of climbing a mountain in New England and discovering remnants of an old town—similar to experiences I have had in my own backyard—and is ultimately a reflection on how getting lost can lead to self-discovery.