Pinned Butterflies

A butterfly collection is a staple in many natural museums and within the homes of collector hobbyists. Whereas the practice often attempts to highlight the “beauty of nature,” we more often forget about the cruelty on display, which we become mesmerized by. This piece uses the imagery of pinned butterflies as a metaphor for people currently trapped in conflict zones, whether geopolitical, psychological, or interpersonal. For musical material, I draw from musical traditions that date back centuries, including folk songs and bell-ringing patterns, while making direct reference to the Gregorian chant Dies Irae (translates from Latin as “the day of wrath”).

Performed by Sandbox Percussion