Portrait of the Artist

for flute and piano

Duration - approx. 8 min.

Program Notes:

The title is a reference to a painting by Rembrandt as well as a novel by James Joyce.  In each of these works one can see the situations or attitudes that shape and mold the individual into an artist as well as the psychological and physical toll that art can inflict upon the artist.  Both works are particularly insightful glances at an artist creating on paper or canvas what they believe embodies an artist and how an artist appears to the rest of the world.  Although this music tells no particular story, it is designed to give the performers an opportunity to present in music what embodies them as artists.  It is the taking of notes upon paper and turning it into a story that makes the performers artists, and during the piece each will be given an opportunity to tell a story.

Premiered by Sophia Tegart and David Servais, at Washington State University.  Pullman, WA.  February, 2003