A Thunderstorm

Solo piano
5 minutes
2024

This piece is based on the work of the same name by Emily Dickinson. Expanding the piano miniature, Creak in the Attic, I elaborated on the poem's narrative elements. Inspired by the
idea of a monster, and the act of battling a growing fear that looms large and seemingly unvanquishable; the poem follows the physical manifestation of a growing thunderstorm complete with monster-like descriptions. There comes a moment when all hope seems lost, this monster seems invincible and the problem will consume all, then suddenly the clouds lift, all is well, and a sense of peace and serenity materializes.

The piece opens with small fragments, nothing quite tangible, slowly developing into thematic material; representing a disembodied problem becoming a monster to be fought. Fighting begins as music moves between registers and momentum increases. Thepiece reaches its climax when the texture is at its largest, expressing the monster theme in its fullest intensity. Finally, after a big arrival, there is a complete shift in mood to illustrate this moment of calm. The rhythm is inactive the chordal texture sets an inactive tone to close the work.