Two Paintings by Meryl Lefkovich - FL/OB/CL/BSN/PN

Two Paintings by Meryl Lefkovich

for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and piano
by Amber Ferenz (b. 1973) - American composer and bassoonist

From the composer:

This piece was commissioned for Elektra Winds by Isabel “Gypsy” Richardson.  Many thanks, Gypsy!  

  When I was initially commissioned to write this piece, I had never before had the pleasure of being asked to write music inspired by visual media.  These two paintings by artist Meryl Lefkovich are in the private collection of my commissioner, Gypsy.  She has always loved them, and I was immediately drawn in by the artist’s use of color and light.  In the first panel, on a deep and vibrantly orange background, a girl stands with a fox.  She looks pleased to be standing there, unconcerned if her garments are blown around by the wind., and is radiantly sure of herself.

  In the second panel, on a light lilac purple background, the girl is joined not only by the fox, but also by a flying owl and a spray of orange lilies.  The music changed character and went in a decidedly more sprightly direction, which fascinated me.

  It was a great pleasure to write for my colleagues in Elektra Winds.  Dr. Laura Dangerfield Stevens is our flutist, Dr. Anna Lampidis is our oboist, Dr. Eileen Young is our clarinetist, and I serve as our bassoonist.  We invited Dr. Yong Im Federle to join us for this piece as our pianist. We’ve been playing together for 9 years as of the date of this writing and have seen each other through many storms.  It is always a delight to make music together.  Each of these women brings so many strengths plus incredible musicianship to every one of our endeavors and is a joy to work beside as well.  

- Amber Ferenz

 Grayson, GA  2024