Erin Spencer - ...still we lean for Flute Choir. Commissioned by the Slippery Rock University Honors Flute Ensemble (Cassandra Eisenreich, Director). From the composer: "The piece opens with an improvisatory section in which each part explores its own musical ideas independently, giving every player space for individual expression. The separation of voices evokes a sense of loneliness and disconnection, as though each musician is searching alone. The following section deepens this sense of longing through music that conveys sadness and loss. As the music unfolds, a growing urgency emerges, suggesting that longing can become a powerful force - one that compels us to move, to change, and to act. The climax features the same yearning melody set against a more active accompaniment, reflecting both the intensity of desire and the difficulty of fulfilling it. As the energy subsides, the music settles into a gentler, more hopeful version of the melody, which then fades away into a new interpretation of the opening improvised section."

Instrumentation:

• Piccolo
• 4 C Flutes
• Alto Flute
• Bass Flute
• Contrabass Flute