Program Note:

In May 2020, I was asked to respond in music to a sculpture on the campus of Rice University, Ursula von Rydingsvard's Malutka II.

Von Rydingsvard's sculptures often manifest as tree-like monoliths made of cedar, resin and bronze, adorned with countless intricate patterns and contours. Malutka II (Polish for "young one") is smaller in scale to her other works. In the artist's words, the sculpture is strong-willed and female.

The first movement of my piece invokes the grooves and contours of a winding branch. This is followed by a brief folk dance. The music ends rhapsodically, as if recounting an old and somber story. 

Performances:

• Cordelia Mutter, Duncan Hall, Houston, Texas, November 10, 2021.

• Russell Houston (virtual - Moody Center Summer Music Series), June 23, 2020.