Program notes
Pres-ent for flute and cello was commissioned by Gerald and Tanya Carey for their fiftieth wedding anniversary. I first met Jerry at an NFA conference in New Mexico; some time later he phoned to ask if I would write a piece to be premiered at their “Golden Celebration” concert and CD project.
When we spoke about the commission, Jerry and Tanya immediately knew what they wanted the piece to express: the story of a long marriage—its joy, warmth, and celebration, but also the moments of doubt and disquiet that inevitably surface over many years of life together. They were open to any musical language I wished to use, trusting that the character and narrative of the work would grow from that idea.
The piece is cast in three movements. The first, Enamored, carries four subtitles: The Proposal, The Wedding, The Vows, and Fiesta. It traces the arc from the excitement of engagement through ceremony and commitment to a festive celebration.
The second movement, Disquiet, explores the tensions, uncertainties, and inner questions that can arise in the midst of a shared life. Contrasting colors and textures in the flute and cello suggest the emotional turbulence that love must sometimes navigate.
The final movement, Pas de Deux, has two subtitles: The Voyage and, once again, Fiesta. Here the two instruments dance together, sometimes in dialogue and sometimes in close unison, evoking the sense of a couple journeying through time. The recurring “Fiesta” returns as a joyful affirmation—a reminder that, after all the storms, love can still arrive at celebration.
— Efraín Amaya
Instrumentation, duration & movements
Original instrumentation: Flute & cello duo (2009).
Alternate versions: Flute & viola (2014); flute & bass
clarinet (2018).
Duration: ca. 13:30 (three movements).
- I — Enamored (The Proposal · The Wedding · The Vows · Fiesta)
- II — Disquiet
- III — Pas de Deux (The Voyage · Fiesta)
Purchase options
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