Unsung Chordata

Description

Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Violin, Cello, Percussion, Glockenspiel, Marimba, Vibraphone, Wood Block, Temple Block, Triangle, Splash Cymbal, Piano — Several years ago, a friend shared the most marvelous video with me. In it, an industrious little puffer fish begins to prepare an elaborate work of artistry – his “etchings” – in hopes of attracting a sweetheart. Using only his fins, he prepares the “canvas” (the sandy ocean floor), and for the next week, working 24 hours a day, he carves a beautiful medallion of swirls and ridges. Shell pieces and pebbles are collected to adorn the masterpiece. And he waits.I was so moved by the careful preparation, determination, patience, and artistry of this little fish who has no guarantees of finding true love. The phenomenon reminded me very much of the act of composing – of creating something out of nothing with few guarantees. Rather than attempting to capture any action programmatically, I tried instead to express, in the abstract, the sense of anticipation, lovelorn hopefulness – and the optimism of a tiny, unsung hero. [The puffer fish is a member of the Chordata phylum.]-Melinda WagnerAugust 2018 Composing for Boston Music Viva on a Fromm Foundation grant, Melinda Wagner drew inspiration from an astounding video of an industrious little pufferfish and his sand artistry. Working 24 hours a day, he carves out a beautiful medallion of swirls and ridges, in the hope of attracting a sweetheart. Wagner has written, “I was so moved by the careful preparation, determination, patience, and artistry of this little fish, who has no guarantees of finding true love. The phenomenon reminded me very much of the act of composing – of creating something out of nothing, with few guarantees.”