I wrote I AM FUCKING ZEN in Lincolnshire IL for ~Nois saxophone quartet. The title was inspired by a painting of the same name by artist Liron Cohen. It was completed in May 2020.
I AM FUCKING ZEN is a process-based composition, wherein a short musical idea undergoes gradual transformations, mutating from one state to another over time, not unlike a raging viral pandemic.
The musical theme showcases major and minor triads – the semblance of wholesomeness – and narrow-ranged microtonal lines – signifying confinement and stress. Though both materials live together in the same theme, the piece undergoes musical processes that winnow one of these elements at a time, highlighting the internal battle of trying to maintain Zen, and feeling the stress and confinement of quarantine and the global pandemic.
The piece is also inspired by the extraordinary virtuosity of ~Nois, allowing the group to showcase their complete mastery of extreme groove, rhythmic complexity and ensemble playing.