Note
The uncharacteristically severe mien of Precise Sentiments reflects the influence of Stravinsky’s Symphonies of Wind Instruments, which I’d been studying and transcribing as I began work on the piece. I also thought I might challenge myself to write something which pushed back against the dreamily pastoral associations that cling to the flute-viola-harp ensemble. This is borne out in the music’s modular construction, brittle, active textures, and purposeful avoidance of smooth transitions.