Michael Cooke

The Interlude of Busyness:
The orchestra’s recent performance consumed my days and nights, leaving scant moments for reflection or updates. With the concert behind me, a brief pause in the composition allows me to turn my attention to lingering tasks and the anticipation of our next concert in May.

A Harmony of Endeavors and Earnings:
Amid the whirl of concert preparation, royalty checks from my publisher and ASCAP arrived, a modest 🤣 but appreciated acknowledgment of my work.

Given my publisher’s focus on high school band and small ensemble pieces, there’s a dissonance between their specialty and my current creative direction. This disjunction sparks a thought I should compose more small ensemble works, potentially bridging the gap between my musical evolution and their publishing niche.

Composing the Tapestry:
A significant milestone was reached in the development of my latest composition—the completion of the “tape” portion’s rough first draft. The third section, infused with themes of hope and the potential for change, interlaces quotes from its predecessors, culminating with Reagan’s iconic call to “tear down this wall,” thus leading us into the coda. I’ve merged my two different files into a singular narrative, setting the stage for orchestral integration through Finale.

Reflections and Revisions:
Despite the progress, feedback from a composers’ forum on the phase section remains unaddressed. My strategy? To draft the composition in its entirety before revisiting these insights, ensuring a holistic view of the piece before embarking on adjustments.

Orchestrating Emotions:
The journey into the orchestral part of the composition has begun, with progress on the opening segments. After the introduction, the initial section of the first part is a meditation on societal fear in a post-9/11 world and its push toward authoritarianism. The orchestra marks this by the ominous Dies Irae theme, resonating with the echoes of “fear.” My current focus lies in transitioning into the subsequent, more positive segment, seeking a balance that mirrors the complex emotional landscape of our times.

As this symphonic journey unfolds, the blending of life’s crescendos with musical cadences continues to challenge and inspire. Stay tuned for further updates as I navigate these chords of creativity and reflection.

This past week has been a whirlwind of activity, stretching my time across various fronts – from the meticulous preparations for the much-anticipated memorial concert on March 16, to essential updates in my studio, and diving into engaging video projects. Amidst this bustling schedule, my latest composition has been a constant beacon, drawing me back to the creative fold, albeit with the wish for more uninterrupted time to devote to it.

Progress Amidst Pressures

I’ve reached a pivotal point in my composition, rounding off the second section and venturing into the third. Yet, there’s a whisper of concern in the back of my mind about ensuring the orchestra’s voice isn’t overshadowed. The third section’s inception has also brought its own set of challenges, notably aligning my initial vision with the unfolding reality of the material at hand. Aiming for a substantial three-minute section feels just out of reach with the current content, prompting a reassessment of incorporating more orchestral breadth, which I’m currently navigating.

Drafting and Redrafting

The path forward seems to lie in drafting this section with flexibility, allowing for the organic integration of the orchestra as the piece evolves. This iterative process, balancing between the tape and orchestral elements, promises to be an intriguing journey of adjustment and discovery.

Feedback and Reflections

In a quest for fresh perspectives, I brought this evolving work to a composers’ forum last week, particularly highlighting the short variation I wrote for the memorial concert and the in progress one featuring presidential quotes. Through the Looking-glass with Mark was received well and the session was illuminating, with the debate on the final chord’s tonality—major for an uplifting resolution or minor for depth—capturing the essence of creative divergence.

However, introducing my new work proved to be a lightning rod for reactions, with its content stirring a mix of negative responses. While intended to provoke thought, the intensity of the feedback was a stark reminder of the fine line between challenging perceptions and crossing into realms some might find uncomfortable. This balance between provocation and respect, intention and reception, is a delicate dance.

Looking Ahead

Fueled by the forum’s feedback, I’m now contemplating subtle adjustments to ensure the piece remains provocatively engaging without alienating listeners. This process of refining and reevaluating is the heart of creative evolution, an endeavor made richer by diverse perspectives. Navigating through these complexities adds to the challenge of meeting the May concert deadline for this work, especially if significant revisions are necessary. I already sense that I’m behind schedule.

I plan to seek additional feedback by having others listen to the piece and gather diverse opinions. I might be reaching out to you, my readers, for insights, this piece’s journey is a testament to the complex tapestry of modern composition—where every note, every pause, and every feedback loop weaves into the broader narrative of our shared human experience.

Stay tuned as I continue to navigate these creative waters, seeking that harmonious balance where music not only resonates but also sparks meaningful dialogue and reflection.