Outsider

2017
/
Chamber

Details

Category

Chamber

instrumentation

two pianos & two melodicas

duration

12'

commissioned by

Piano Spheres

premiered by

HOCKET

Purchase Score

In H.P. Lovecraft's The Outsider, the narrator, who has spent his life devoid of human contact trapped in a castle, one day escapes to the outside world. Upon leaving the castle, he is immediately forced to begin searching for a new life and acceptance amongst an abhuman existence. This proves to be challenging and as isolating as his previous life. As the narrator memorably states, “I know always that I am an outsider; a stranger in this century and among those who are still men.” While writing my piece I felt compelled to tap into the evocative way Lovecraft's prose capture how one's identity is formed within the context of one's surroundings. Thinking about the character's struggle to adapt to this new world felt very relevant, especially considering recent political events, inspiring the emotional and primal elements of this piece. Outsider is in four continuous sections, beginning with a hypnotic tune and building towards a visceral cry.