The Chatter of a Death-Demon from a Tree-Top

soprano, Bb Clarinet, and piano / written for Haven Trio during Connecticut Summerfest 2024.

Program Note:

Inspired by the color and playfulness of theater, “The Chatter of a Death-Demon on a Tree-Top” delves into a dark yet equally boisterous interpretation of Steven Crane’s poetry.

This piece is divided into 4 SCENES:

  1. Torn Grass
  2. Grey – Green
  3. News Channel 666
  4. Crashing Waves

Text: (Steven Crane)

The chatter of a death-demon from a tree-top

Blood — blood and torn grass — 

Had marked the rise of his agony — 

This lone hunter. 

The grey-green woods impassive 

Had watched the threshing of his limbs.

A canoe with flashing paddle, 

A girl with soft searching eyes, 

A call: “John!” 

. . . . . . . . . . . . 

Come, arise, hunter! 

Can you not hear?

The chatter of a death-demon from a tree-top. 

Audio: