ANEMOIA (2025) - for Trombone Quartet and Fixed Media
ANEMOIA (2025) is one of several compositions that resulted from the Millennium Composers Initiative collaboration with the Beltline Bones. I stumbled upon the word “Anemoia” on TikTok and was drawn to its definition of nostalgia for something one has never known. Given the work’s relation to the concept of time, this work is structured into three musical chapters representing the Past, Present, and Future:
I. The Immense Weight of Passed Time (The Past): In this section, musical elements from past time periods are fused together with modern elements, as if looking back on the past. A second “sub-chapter” is a clock-like, rhythmic soundscape that conveys the anxiety and weight of passing time. A Gregorian chant-inspired chorale, a mid 1990’s - 2000’s era drum machine loop, a lute/sitar/synth hybrid instrument, and organ-like synth and more make up this first chapter.
II. Stay: This second section represents the idea of being in, and enjoying, the moment. A simple yet lush electric guitar ( inspired by the innovative sounds of Mk.Gee) and a bass synth create the foundation while the trombones provide ethereal hymn-like melodies as a quartet and in pairs.
III. The Euphoric Release of an Idealistic Future: The work concludes with an energetic fanfare that conveys the “perfect” future, something that looks different to everyone. Angular synth motives, deep bass synths, and driving drum patterns propel ANEMOIA to an optimistic final chord.
Duration: 7 minutes 15 seconds
Difficulty: 3/5
Format: PDF score and parts (3 tenor trombones, 1 bass trombone), WAV file of the backing track, WAV file of the backing track (with a click track) for practice.
Copyright © 2025 Ian Lester