big mosquito (2017)

[A] for Bass Clarinet and Double Bass

[B] for Bass Clarinet and Organ

Composed for Université d'Altitude (France)

ca. 6 min.​

Request PDF score HERE

27th International Review of Composers Call for Scores (Belgrade, Serbia)

One night, while in residency at an art village in the upstate New York, I concluded my compositions, switched off the lights in my room, and snuggled into bed. Suddenly, I heard an unfamiliar low-frequency noise - something like a machine - permeating the air. Switching on the light, I was shocked to see the shadow resembling a kitten-sized monster cast upon my room's wall. Startled, I glanced upward to witness the largest mosquito I had ever encountered in my life, buzzing overhead.

Despite being in deep forest, the tightly shut windows and firmly sealed door should have prevented any insect intrusion. I am afraid of killing insects, so I attempted to usher the creature out of the room for hours to no avail. Exhausted, I resigned myself to bed, only to be plagued by the unsettling sound of fluttering wings drawing nearer and farther, then nearer again. Sleep eluded me, replaced by mild nightmares haunting my restless night. Upon awakening, the mosquitoes had vanished, leaving behind a sizable red swelling on my right ear - the only part inadvertently exposed from the blanket.

big mosquito was inspired by a harrowing encounter I had one night with the largest mosquito I had ever seen while in residence at Yaddo, an art village located in Saratoga Springs, upstate New York. Following that unforgettable night of terror, I remained at Yaddo for approximately two weeks, during which I concluded this composition. At that time, the deadline was looming closer for a new work I had to compose for a composition workshop in France that I have already signed up for. The experience was a blessing in disguise, and provided the catalyst for this composition. Typically, it takes me several months to finalize a piece of work, yet I was astonished by the speed with which I completed this piece.

As a footnote, I recall departing Yaddo and boarding a long-distance train to my next destination, the mosquito bite scars still red, swollen, and persistently itchy, serving as a lingering reminder of the encounter.

July 15, 2017 (World Premiere)

Université d'Altitude

Espace Jean Grinda, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, France

Ensemble Multilatérale: Alain Billard (B. Cl.), Nicolas Crosse (Cb.)

August 6, 2017 (Japan Premiere)

OTO-Asobi 2017: Tokyo Concert

NextSunday Asagaya

Tsubasa Kaneda (B. Cl.), Rion Kidokoro (Cb.)

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January 13, 2018 (US Premiere)

Beyond: Microtonal Music Festival and Symposium

University of Pittsburgh Frick Fine Arts Auditorium, Pittsburgh, PA

Emily Cook (B. Cl.), Ryan McMasters (Cb.)

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August 3, 2018

現代のサウンドスケープ

Mita Hall, Osaka, Japan

Iván Solano (B. Cl.), Rintaro Kojima (Cb.)​

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October 7, 2018 (Serbia Premiere)

27th International Review of Composers

Composers' Association of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia

Predrag Nedeljković (B. Cl.), Goran Kostić (Cb.)

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June 13, 2023

REED[S]

Église Sainte-Aurélie, Strasbourg, France

Iván Solano (B. Cl.), Jean-Luc Iffrig (Organ)