Dear UB Composition seminar! My name is Jessie Downs and I am a composer and vocalist living and working in Buffalo NY since 2015. I am very excited to talk to your class about my work, and in particular my new opera The Second Sight, which will premiere on June 26th right here in Buffalo. In preparation for our discussion on March 15th, I would like you to listen to three of four recordings of my work and make notes on the following:

For each piece, how would you describe:
(1) its sonic qualities? [materials]
(2) its  shape(s) and/or trajectories? [form]
(3) the feelings, thoughts, images, or stories it evokes in your mind? [affect]

I suggest that you create a calm listening environment before starting to listen, possibly spread the listening out over a couple sessions, and have something on hand with which to take notes.

AS A COMPOSER: “shadow a thing” for piccolo and prepared piano (20 min)

AS A PERFORMER: “Sediziose voci….” from Bellini’s opera Norma (13 min)

AS A COMPOSER-PERFORMER: “fireflies” for voice and percussion (16 min)

Reflection:
  • What do these pieces/ performances have in common? In what ways do they differ?
  • How would you describe each of the above categories [material/ form/ affect]   in your own work?
  • For me, the relationship between composing and performing is symbiotic. What other aspect of your life (musical or otherwise) would you say most impacts your composing?

BONUS LISTENING - My new opera will be the focus of my talk on the 15th. I will share sound excerpts during the presentation, but if you wish to preview a full scene, consider watching this video of the “Rain Chorus”    [15 min] and continue thinking about the prompts above. You can also visit the website of my vocal ensemble Sotto Voce Vocal Collective to learn more.