Taraxacum - WW5/PN

Taraxacum
for woodwind quintet and piano
by Ethan Resnik - American composer and pianist

ABOUT THE MUSIC

Taraxacum refers to various types of flowering plants, such as dandelions, which are often topped with white puffs of fuzz. When the wind blows, the fuzz breaks, as parachute-like seeds disperse and fill the air. Watching them fly away always reminded me of the cyclic nature of the entropic environment, which, as a result, enhances my interest in nature. The inspiration was spawned by my adventures hiking in and around my hometown of Bedford, New York, and this piece emulates the experiences encountering distinguished flowering plants.

A dandelion may be viewed as an invasive weed that must be pulled, however, the symmetrical flowers are a reminder of regrowth and serenity within the ecosystem.

Premiered at the Maine Chamber Music Seminar, Snow Pond Center for the Arts, June 19th, 2021

duration 6-7 min

ABOUT THE COMPOSER

Ethan Resnik is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music Degree in Composition at the Eastman School of Music. His works are often inspired by nostalgia, nature, and places that he visits, as well as his synesthesia, as he associates colors with letters, numbers, and sounds.

Ethan is the recipient of awards including the Eastman School of Music Belle Gitelman Award, the Louis Lane Prize, the Susquehanna University Composition Prize, and he received first place in the Akron Symphonic Winds Young Composer’s Competition and the Villa Musica Call for Scores. His music has been performed by ensembles including the American Modern Ensemble, North/South Chamber Orchestra, Quartetto Zuena, Atlantic Music Festival Contemporary Ensemble, Akron Symphonic Winds, The Rhythm Method String Quartet, and the Julius Quartet. In addition, he was featured as a composer on NPR's From The Top, which aired in February of 2020.

As a pianist, he was a soloist with the North Shore Symphony Orchestra, a finalist in the Yonkers Philharmonic Concerto Competition, and he received first place in the American Fine Arts Festival Concerto Competition. He also enjoys performing chamber music, accompanying, and arranging.

For two years, Ethan studied composition with Eric Ewazen at The Juilliard School Pre-College Division. He also participated in the New York Youth Symphony Composition Program, as well as several summer festivals and workshops.

Ethan is dedicated to volunteer work and community service. For over two years, he performed weekly concerts for local assisted-living residents. He also participated in the “Bach to Bach” Project. He has organized solo benefit concerts in his community for charity.

Besides music, Ethan enjoys riding roller coasters, hiking, studying French, and going to beaches.