ANIMAL traces the evolutionary development of an imaginary living organism, starting from a single pulsating de-tuned union blip (mono-cellular) through a constantly shifting tableau of increasingly fantastical fungi, amphibious reptiles, birds, and mammals. At one point the species is on the verge of extinction with it was to “start over” at the halfway point from the de-tuned blip of a mono-cellular creature. It survives as a subterranean offshoot and finally morphs into its final humanoid manifestation with the original motive transformed into the giant stomping footsteps of an intelligent being walking upright. But just as the music starts to soar into the highest register of the ensemble, the humanoid suddenly transforms into a grotesque monstrosity in the final furious march that leads to its own extinction.
from
ANIMAL for sextet,
released December 16, 2022
Nathan Lincoln De-Cusatis, Composer
Balance Campaign:
Meghan Shanley Alger, Flutes
Emily Robinson, Clarinets
Sandy Choi, Violin
Erin Murphy Snedecor, Cello
Elizabeth G. Hill, Piano
Emory Hensley, Percussion
Cue Recording Studios, Falls Church, VA
Ken Schubert, Recording Engineer
Blaine Misner, Mastering
Safiya Muthaliff, Production Manager
Album Art by Elizabeth G. Hill