Undercurrent begins with a six-note motive that is established as an ostinato that runs throughout the piece. Other brief motives play over the ostinato, pulling it in many directions, with the quiet, plodding motion occasionally punctuated with sudden outbursts. The ostinato changes over time, further pulling apart from the textures above it, but as the notes that make up the ostinato change, so to do the notes making up the other material: no matter what direction these currents are going, they are all made up of the same stuff. When the currents finally align, a calm emerges from the busy texture. Motives that arose from the ostinato are stated without it before the ostinato gradually returns. The initial ostinato returns, but this time the currents converge and the piece ends.

Ensemble Concept/21, Jorge Muñiz, Artistic Director
Carmen-Helena Tellez, Conductor
Sherry Kujala, Flute
Chris French, Bass Clarinet
Ben Runkel, Percussion
Jennifer Muñiz, Piano
Brendan Shea, Violin
David Machavariani, Violoncello

Performed 5 April 2019 at IU South Bend's Louise E. Addicott and Yatish J. Joshi Performance Hall

Undercurrent (IU South Bend performance)

Film and game composer

https://www.bensebaldcomposer.com

Undercurrent (IU South Bend performance)

Alec J. Radecki