Black Forest Percussion Group: Narrow Sea

Narrow Sea: where is home

In our fall project, we explore the human need for a home, often accompanied by longing and hope, but also sometimes fear. This longing runs through works by Griswold, Shaw, Ulery and Mugani.

The central work of the evening, Caroline Shaw's "Narrow Sea", combines our percussion quartet with piano (Elmar Schrammel) and soprano (Leonor Pereira Pinto). The percussion accentuates subtle shifts, Schrammel's piano reinforces the emotional anchor, and Pereira Pinto's soprano directly conveys the longing of the Sacred Harp lyrics. The piece sheds light on the universal search for security.

The other pieces show different reflections on emotion and home. Griswold's "Fear" points to an inner restlessness. Ulery's "Emigre and Exile" deals with the search for roots. Mugani's "Hurukuru NaNyamasase" shows the search for connection over distance.

In summary, the music reflects the universal longing for emotional arrival, be it as inner stability, longing for roots or hope for a safe place. The diverse soundscapes make the associated emotions vividly tangible.