5 min 20 sec for clarinet in Bb + 2 channel fixed media track

Link to recording

what once was can be again is inspired by the rapid degradation of the planet’s coral reefs. The piece follows a programmatic form, in which we rewind through time—starting with the sparse starkness of our current reefs and working our way back to a time in which the reef systems were full of the diversity and richness of life. We have the ability to restore these reefs—to rewind our planet’s own history and renew what once was. But it will take great efforts, great divestments, and great investments in order for this to happen.

This piece was commissioned by clarinetist Abby Herrick with generous support from Lawrence University’s George ’51 and Marjorie ’44 Chandler Senior Experience Fund and inspired by Lawrence University’s Marine Term. A huge thank you goes out to Abby Herrick for bringing this piece to life.