Crooked Still is a reflection on the ongoing pandemic. The piece takes its name from the fact that things are, well, still crooked. The piece explores different phases of the pandemic from the beginning up until our current state. In the beginning the piece mimics the uncertainty and confusion felt by many in the early days of the pandemic – this feeling is shown by making use of extended techniques in the piano, as well as unclear and somewhat meandering tonal language. This is undercut by a short but hopeful section played on the keys, and that moves quickly on to the last section of the piece – a sudden change to a rather rhythmic and driving texture. This is meant to signify humanity’s resilience and drive to keep going, to find a cure, and to survive.
Preview Score: