Under The Summer Tree

A substantial concert work, in three movements by one of the most notable American composers, Under the Summer Tree is based on an elegiac poem by English poet Thomas Hardy, During Wind and Rain. According to Ms. Brouwer, the work explores the reaction to personal loss. The first movement, based on one pitch cell, contrasts music of an aggressive, driving nature with music of a lyrical, melodic and tender character. The second movement has a more reflective, remote and introverted aspect and is in the style of a siciliano. The third movement, which follows without a pause, begins tentatively, but then rushes forward with bursts of passion and anger alternating with sections reflecting a more temperate sadness. This eighteen minute work is a major addition to the serious concert literature for the piano.