CAPE FLATTERY
for WIND ENSEMBLE
Program Notes
Cape Flattery is a dramatic and beautiful place. It is the point of land at the northwesternmost
corner of the continental United States; to the Macah Tribe that inhabits the region, it is known as
“the end of the world.” The Macah have inhabited this place for about 3800 years and have lived
sustainably with nature that entire time. Recently, in June 2024, they were granted the rights to
return to a limited subsistence-level whale hunt – one of only two places in the US where this is
legal (the other is in northwestern Alaska). Environmental activists have protested this
allowance, but I think that this might be an example of how we can live in harmony with nature:
knowing how to live sustainably and in harmony with the land we are part of. At Cape Flattery,
there is a lighthouse that warns ships of the dangers there where the Pacific Ocean and the Strait
of Juan de Fuca meet – tempestuous winds, rocky outcroppings, heavy fog and choppy waters.
On a sunny day, the water sparkles, the spray from the waves glitters, the blue of the ocean is
startling against the green of the forest, and seals and whales inhabit the waters. On stormy days,
the waves crash against the rocky shores, the wind whips through the trees, and the view can be
hidden in a heavy mist. These images are the inspiration for this piece, my attempt to express my
love of one of my favorite places.
Cape Flattery Symphonic Poem begins with a burst of drama, presented by the brass, with bold
energy. Shortly, the energy withdraws and becomes melodic, contemplative, the woodwinds sing
and welcome the visitor. The emotion builds again, like a vigorous inhale, and then exhales in
relaxation again. As the winds whip up, a dark storm approaches, signaling danger, becoming
quite dark, and then it passes as quickly as it came. Then we experience the waves, as they ebb
and flow, splashing into the air, and then pulling back out into the sea again. Instrumental solos
weave in and out of the texture created by the piano and vibraphone. The waves grow in intensity,
becoming fuller and adding instruments until the entire ensemble is participating. Next, we
experience the playful, bouncy little creatures of the woods and sea: birds flitting, fish jumping,
otters diving. Finally, all of these elements converge in a final moment of joy and exuberance.

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