Mimesis

Mimesis Program Note

The composer attended a birthday party for his friend, the writer Gail Godwin, at the home of another friend, Frances Halsband. Frances played him the birdsong of a Wilson’s Warbler, a species new to him. Attracted by this sound he proceeded to compose a set of pieces called MIMESIS, the individual movements of which are related to creatures of nature.

Warblemusic—for Frances Halsband, remembering Robert Kliment

Owls—for Gail Godwin, remembering Robert Starer

Snail and Parakeet—remembering Richard W. Zingler (the composer’s grandfather, who had a parakeet)

Frog Chorus—remembering John Thompson’s First Grade Book out of which the composer studied at age seven, its Frog’s Chorus being his favorite selection.