Portraits from a City Window

As implied by the title, Portraits from a City Window explored four different scenes one may observe from such an angle. “Morning Light” represents the beauty of a sunrise over skyscrapers, while “Rush Hour” attempts to capture the hustle-bustle of city streets. Echoes wandering through the darkness of a subway tunnel can be heard in “Underground,” while “Never Sleep” closes out the work with a rhythmic character reminiscent of electronic dance music.

Program Notes

During my late teens my family lived in a small 11th floor apartment in the city of Syracuse, NY. Being so high up I was able to look out the window and see for miles, a view I always found inspiring. Portraits from a City Window explores four different scenes one may observe from such an angle.

“Morning Light” represents the beauty of a sunrise over skyscrapers, while “Rush Hour” attempts to capture the hustle-bustle of city streets. Echoes wandering through the darkness of a subway tunnel can be heard in “Underground,” while “Never Sleep” closes out the work with a rhythmic character reminiscent of electronic dance music.

Portraits from a City Window was commissioned by Louis Raymond-Kolker.

- M.S.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2016
Number of Players: 1
Duration: 9:30
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Category: Solo Works

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Instrumentation

Tenor Steel Pan