Because of the Fire

Year 2022 • Instrumentation open, triple ensemble • Length 10-12 min



Triple quartet performance, March 31, 2024. Wild Beast, Valencia, CA



Because of the Fire [Thurston; 2022]

Growing up in Southern California, fire was a constant threat. I remember, at age 7, watching a neighbor’s house burn to the ground. A few years later, a series of wildfires threatened my family’s neighborhood. Our driveway was overtaken by firefighters, and I packed up keepsakes for evacuation while my older siblings climbed the roof, extinguishing embers with garden hoses.

There were even more wildfires on the West Coast during my first year at CalArts. Classes were canceled, and campus was evacuated. Students and faculty received a steady stream of email and texts that began, “Because of the fire…”, and this phrase echoed through my mind as I drove home down I-5, surrounded by dry brush.

Because of the Fire, the composition, relieves a lifelong wildfire anxiety. Elements combine to build a ferocious chaos, until it is extinguished. It destroys humans, animals, plants, and property are destroyed, and Earth is rejuvenated.

Triple Quartet performers (see video):

A Judith Berkson (piano); Rachel Epperly (accordion); Jeongyeon Joo (haegeum); Tyson Thurston (acoustic guitar, bells, voice)

B Chris Everingham (bassoon); Vinny Golia (reeds); Tyler Harper (bassoon); Evan Losoya (oboe)

C Byron Burchard (tenor saxophone); Eliot Burk (cello); James Thomer (electric guitar); Shane Vincent (trumpet)

Note on video: Screen record from live stream. A/V cleanup and FX by TT.



Score and performance notes below

This piece can be performed by any multiple of three musicians (3 soloists, triple duet, triple trio, etc.).

The score is linear, from left to right. The individual groups (A, B, or C) perform simultaneously, and each group should be considered as one voice. Each element box represents one minute - a stopwatch (or phone) is needed. Stopwatch starts on leader's signal, and musical transitions are gradual between each element.

The elements, and density continuum are interpreted according to individual inspiration. The density continuum represents both the regularity of sound, and spectral saturation.

Pitch and noise may be used freely, except for in the last element box - [EARTH] - above which is written concert pitch classes. They can be played in any range. The closing fermata lasts between 0:30 and 2:00 - dimenuendo at performer’s discretion.

  
Score for all 3 sections
Performance notes
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