A Note From the Composer:
The Leap was the result of a commission that Alex Carpenter requested from me in the Spring of 2023. Knowing I would at least be writing for flute and piano, I began working on the main melody and ostinato that are introduced at the beginning of the piece. I’ve always been a fan of the ethereal sound the piano can make with long passages of the sustain pedal held down and how the flute can compliment that sound. I soon realized that a second piano would be necessary to provide the primary “accompaniment” while the other piano continued the ostinato in many of the sections. Towards the final stages of writing, I decided to add the djembe to give the piece some extra “kick.” When I began writing The Leap, I honestly thought it would end up being a winter-themed piece and even had the file named “Winter.” However, I found that it began taking on inspirational qualities the further I went. Now when I listen to it, I hear the vastness of the unknown in the opening section, followed by the decision to take a “leap” of faith into it – resulting in victory and adventure. I hope that The Leap inspires you to take a leap of your own!
