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Asperitas is the most recently named cloud formation, a striking and vibrant undulation that stretches across the sky on rare occasions. The word translates to "roughness" in Latin, and was only proposed as a new cloud classification in 2009. While often appearing stormy, these clouds are infrequently the harbinger of bad weather.
This piece connects to my love of nature and being outdoors. I find myself hiking and running on trails as often as I can, and I was lucky enough to witness asperitas clouds above the mountains of western North Carolina when I was starting to compose this piece in late 2024. The music begins with a plaintive melody played by the clarinet and then echoed by the flute, reflecting the landscape with a sense of calm and peacefulness. Quicker gestures begin to appear, like cloudy wisps, building into a more expansive outburst, with rich harmonies now accompanying the opening melody, and eventually propelling the music into a fast and rhythmic section. The original melody returns, now re-conceived as a contrast to the fast pace of life around us. After another swell of energy, the tempo slows and the plaintive melody from the opening returns, this time with the piano creating a rumbling that mimics the shape of asperitas clouds. Starting in the lowest register, it gradually grows to envelop the flute and clarinet in a glorious wash of harmony and texture before fading away into eternity.
Asperitas was commissioned by a consortium of musicians listed below:
Amy Guffey and Colleen White
The Scott/Garrison Duo (Shannon Scott and Leonard Garrison)
Brian Dunbar and Keilor Kastella
Jill Heyboer, Sandra Jackson
Anne Wall (Florida Wind Band)
Lisa Perry
Amanda Morrison (Slippery Rock University)
Gozde Cakir Ramsey and Mark J. Cramer
Soo Goh
Erin K. Murphy, Laura McLaughlin, Elena Doubovitskaya (Lakeshore Rush)
Duration: ca. 12'
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