Can You See? for chamber ensemble

Commissioned by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Music Director Xian Zhang

INSTRUMENTATION

flute, horn, percussion (7 roto-toms, concert bass drum), 2 violins, viola, cello, contrabass

PROGRAM NOTE

Can You See? was commissioned by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra (NJSO) for Arts in the Garden, a music series presented by both the NJSO and The Newark Museum of Art. I was asked to create an arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner with a mournful or somber approach that honors lives lost, while also pointing to what the role and responsibility of the living is.

The Star Spangled Banner refers to America as the “land of the free,” yet America is a country rooted in colonialism, slavery, and violence. These foundations laid the framework for the racism, injustice, and inequality that exist today and that has existed since the country’s inception. Confronting and acknowledging these truths begs us to question the true meaning and/or reality of the lyrics of The Star Spangled Banner, and Can You See? is a musical prompt to do just that.

Melodic material from The Star Spangled Banner is used throughout the flute and french horn lines, though the rhythms have been stretched out and are performed in a melancholy manner. These voices not only symbolize those we have lost in the name of “freedom,” but also those who have fallen victim to our unique and inhumane systematic and institutionalized practices. Like the blurred truth of the National Anthem, the strings create a soundworld that is cloudy, uncertain, and bleary. The percussion reminds us that while it can often be difficult to stay steady, hopeful, and forward-looking in a country with these realities, there is a responsibility to remain purposeful and strong in the pursuit of change.

— Allison Loggins-Hull

PERFORMANCE NOTE

Circular bowing is illustrated and indicated in the score.

There is text to indicate the speed of the circles, as well as visual cues. Arrows show the approximate timings of a technique. In the violin parts, the rhythm within bars doesn’t need to be precise. In fact, take liberties if inclined, but downbeats should always be together with the ensemble and keep the shape of the changes in sound.

The 7 roto-toms are pitched as follows: E3, A3, B3, C4, E4, F♯4, A4

There are a range of emotions expressed in the percussion part and those sentiments are more important than the rhythmic and drum accuracy, unless indicated otherwise. In general, the part varies between “beast-mode” and calming down. The bass drum should be as thunderous as possible.
OTHER VERSIONS

Can You See? for orchestra