Cook

baritone saxophone, electric guitar, percussion, piano

duration 9’00”

Cook (2023) for baritone saxophone, electric guitar, percussion, and piano was commissioned by the Boston-based Hinge Quartet with the generous support of the UW Oshkosh Faculty Development Program. The work was composed to showcase the ensemble’s incredible virtuosity and its expertise in performing energetic music combining elements of rock and chamber music. “Cook” has many definitions in slang. This piece draws from three: to play rhythmic music with energy and excitement, to move fast, and to get to work to achieve a goal. I began composing this piece in the summer of 2023 as my son Owen was about to reach his goal of running 1000 miles before the start of his senior-year cross country season. This piece loosely depicts his journey to achieve this milestone, including battling an injury that set him back for a time. As he would leave on­­­­ a long run or get ready for a big race, his last words would always be, “let’s cook.”

Acquire Score and Parts: Coming Spring 2024! Contact emartin1014@gmail.com.