Kill James (2017)

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For Bassoon, Cello, and Piano

Duration: 6'40"

Score and Parts are available for purchase

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Program Notes: Written for Groundswell's 2017 Pressure Waves Emerging Composers Workshop in Winnipeg, Kill James focuses on the all too familiar hatred and anger that builds and leads to terrorist attacks. 

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Beginning in 1604, conspirators began planning an assassination attempt on King James I of England. The plot eventually was planned for November 5th, 1605 at which point 36 barrels were to be detonated underneath the House of Lords during the State Opening of England’s Parliament. However, around midnight on November 4th, the plot was discovered and one for the conspirators, Guy Fawkes, was found guarding the barrels of gunpowder. The piece begins with large bangs that represent anger. This anger then emerges in a three-note motive used throughout the rest of the piece. The motive slowly builds and conspires its way to the climax before dying away.

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Premiered by the Groundswell Trio, Alex Eastly, Bassoon, Leanne Zacharias, Cello, Everett Hopfner, Piano; Eva Clare Hall, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

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Awarded an Honorable Mention for the 2019 New York Composers Circle John Eaton Memorial Composition Competition