Pagan Peal for Septet

Pagan Peal is the first in a series of pieces for different instrumentation inspired by rituals and nature. When composing I started with bell timbres that I transcribed into harmonies. During the process, I listened to pre-existing bell recordings, and I made several of my own. In conducting my research on bell timbre, I’ve visited bell towers on both coasts.

Rather than adhere to a linear narrative, the piece is a kaleidoscope of images, places, and mythological creatures, for example, birds with female faces (Sirin, Alkonost, and Gamayun). All participants are invoking the awakening of what in Slav mythology we refer to as Mother Moist Earth — humans’ cradler and nurturer.

Ensemble Dal Niente