Making Hay—Commissioned by Nova Linea Musica and written specifically for the Black Oak Ensemble, Making Hay inspires positivity—at least while the sun shines. The trio begins with the violin playing a gentle melody reminiscent of a traditional British folk tune. Presently, the music is infused with the spirit of Sebastian Bach in a contrapuntal exchange between all three instruments as the melody is sequenced and extended, gradually incorporating bolder harmonies. We are abruptly startled into the here and now with new material, marked “fierce and impassioned,” as we are confronted by dissonant chords, repeated with fortissimo insistence. New, angular themes are layered in virtuosic exchange, with momentary respite provided by references to the initial folk-like tune – now spiced with aggressive harmonies. The optimistic outlook of the opening melody returns with a new tempo, setting in motion a sprightly dance integrating the wide melodic intervals of the previous section. The final moments of the trio are nostalgic, as the gentle mood of the folk tune is reintroduced. The final utterance of the trio is an unchallenged major chord.

Premiered by Black Oak Ensemble at the March 12, 2025, "Letters from Home" concert.