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Chrysalis - EH/PN

Composer: Morris, Alyssa

Publisher: TrevCo

Edition: 3185 - 68410

$25.00

Chrysalis
for English horn and piano
by Alyssa Morris (b. 1984) - American composer

I. Caterpillar
II. Within the Chrysalis
III. Butterfly

Chrysalis is the musical analogy of a caterpillar; its metamorphosis, and becoming a butterfly. Within the story is another message: to become spiritually changed. The first movement, Caterpillar, introduces the "caterpillar theme" that will transform throughout the piece. This melody begins with clarity and is transformed into an awkward, crawling caterpillar. The theme returns with serenity once again at the end of the movement.

In movement two, the caterpillar enters a new and unknown phase of progression. The caterpillar struggles to find its way. But in the darkness of the chrysalis, the caterpillar finds hope and the strength to become something more. Within the Chrysalis attempts to capture my personal feelings regarding the sacrifice and death of Jesus Christ. In this movement are moments of quiet grief, deep sadness, and anguish, and then gratitude and hope. The caterpillar changes within the chrysalis, just as one can experience a spiritual rebirth through Christ's great gift. 

In the third movement, the Butterfly emerges. The "caterpillar theme" is transformed. The butterfly sings praises to God, who gave it wings to fly. All Creatures of Our God and King is quoted: "All Creatures of Our God and King Lift up your voice and with us sing...Oh, Praise Him!...Alleluia!"

-Allysa Morris

Premiered on June 9th, 2015 at the River Center, Legacy Hall, Schwob School of Music, Columbus State University by Carolyn Hove, English horn, and Tatiana Muzanova, piano. 

ABOUT THE COMPOSER:

Alyssa Morris has delighted audiences around the world with her “exceptional” and “soulful” musicianship (Fanfare Magazine). Alyssa serves as Assistant Professor of Oboe at Kansas State University and as the principal oboist of the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and Wichita Grand Opera.  She has appeared as a soloist in venues throughout the United States, Scandinavia, the British Isles, and Western Europe.  Alyssa has previously held the position of Associate Principal Oboe in the Richmond (IN) Symphony Orchestra, and second oboe in the Utah Wind Symphony.  Her recent CD album release via MSR Classics, “A Higher Place,” has been hailed by American Record Guide as “gorgeous and thoughtful” with “stunning” performances, “unmistakable…virtuosity” and “deft emotional timing.” 

Regarding her equally expansive work as a composer, the American Record Guide writes that Dr. Morris’s music “has charm, piquancy, verve, and most importantly, substance.” Her chamber music is performed extensively around the world, and has been presented at the national and international conventions of IDRS, ICA, NFA, and SCI.  Dr. Morris is an International Barlow Composition Commission Award Winner.  She has additionally been commissioned to write music for the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Air Force Woodwind Quintet, and Carolyn Hove (principal English horn of the Los Angeles Philharmonic) to name a few. Dr. Morris’s music has been recorded on the Equilibrium, Centaur, and MSR Classics labels.

Dr. Morris earned her BM and MM degrees at Brigham Young University, where she studied with Dr. Geralyn Giovannetti. She earned her DMA at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where she studied with Dr. Mark Ostoich. 

For more information, please visit the composer's website at: http://www.alyssamorrismusic.com/