8', for violin, clarinet, 'cello, and piano

Commissioned through the Sarofim Composition Competition at the University of Houston's Moores School of Music, Carrying Fire through Midnight Snow is an exploration of the emotional reactions we have to wilderness. On one hand are the feelings of wonder, an admiration of the size and scope and beauty of the landscape. On the other hand is the realization that there is nothing human-made for miles on any side, and that, were you to be stranded out here, there's a decent chance you wouldn't last the night. Our relationship with nature is intertwined with this dichotomy, and philosophers and nature writers have always understood that with the beauty of the wilderness comes serious danger. This piece explores that kaleidoscope of emotions, and is dedicated to the rangers and staff of Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve in Alaska, who helped me to see understand the wilderness during my time there in the summer of 2013.

The piece was premiered by members of the AURA Contemporary Ensemble on November 18, 2013, at a performance at the Moores Opera House on the campus of the University of Houston.