A Delicate Sustainable Response (2025)
for 4 performers, music box, toy pianos, melodica, recycled objects, and mini-fans - 8 minutes
written for the non-piano ensemble
Photo: Siman Chen
A Delicate Sustainable Response was written with three questions in mind:
1. How do we handle the looming presence of global warming, which is pushed into the background by the media overload of posts, prompts, and fake news?
2. How can I, as a composer, create a sustainable piece? What is sustainable chamber music?
3. How can I use the sonic properties of trash in a tasteful, professional way?
The outcome of this artistic exploration is A Delicate Sustainable Response, a piece for four performers using recyclables, toy pianos, a melodica, and a music box with handmade tapes made out of supermarket receipts. A personal highlight in the work is the solo with tuned jars and phone fans.
A Delicate Sustainable Response was written for the non-piano ensemble and funded with the FEB-4 ensemble grant from the Musikfonds. It was premiered on 22.11.2025 during the toy piano weekend at the Resonanzraum in Hamburg.
Thanks to the non-piano ensemble for their commission and performance, and extra cheers to Jennifer Hymer for her exquisite work fostering toy piano compositions.
The non-piano ensemble are Jennifer Hymer, Bernhard Fograscher, Daria-Karmina Iossifova, and Steven Tanoto.
Interested? Contact me for a recording and the score of this composition!
Score excerpt