Ruminations + reverberations : music of literature

In the modern world of acadernia, many scholars succumb to the temptation of overspecializing on particular topics within their particular fields. Too often, this pursuit of specialized knowledge often comes at the expense of experience in nonrelated disciplines. Although my primary focus is music composition, I have maintained a strong interest in the humanities over the course of my undergraduate career. In particular, I am fascinated by the literature of Existentialism. Unfortunately, many young scholars today are unfamiliar with the perspective and philosophical insight offered by literature that has survived much of the 20th century. In an attempt to help this intellctual movement maintain relevance in the 21st century, I have composed music derived from the texts of Nietzsche, C.G. Jung, Albert Camus, and other notable thinkers. Other compositions were inspired by scientific and technological concepts. These works were performed at a composition recital on April 22, 2012.