Guilty Pleasures (2004)

for Flute, Clarinet, Percussion, Piano, Violin, Viola and Cello

Percussion Details:

Vibraphone, Crotales, 3 tom-toms, 1 suspended cymbal, Bass drum, sandblock, woodblock – 1 player

Duration: 10 min

Commission: newEar contemporary chamber ensemble

Premiere: newEar contemporary chamber ensemble-February 12, 2005 Overland Park, KS

Program Note: A guilty pleasure, by definition, must be pleasurable while simultaneously tinged with guilt. The dualism of these two words was what first attracted me to this title. I find this to be a very curious combination of words, especially because we do not have the equivalent expression in German. For me, a guilty pleasure simply occurs when there is a dissonance between what I think I should do and what I want to do. Mostly, I give into my wants and go for that big chocolate bar, experiencing mainly pleasure and sometimes a slightly upset stomach. This piece is inspired by the pleasure of letting go and surrendering to the siren’s song of indulgence. Indulge and enjoy!