On a Wire

Jennifer Higdon

2010

Flute, clarinet, violin, cello, marimba, piano, orchestra

Flute doubling piccolo and alto flute, clarinet doubling bass clarinet, violin doubling viola

Writing a concerto for one soloist and orchestra is a bit of a balancing act…so imagine throwing in 5 more soloists. “On A Wire” is 8th Blackbird’s high‐wire‐act‐of‐a concerto. Having already written 2 chamber works for this group, I am familiar with their ability to do all sorts of cool things on their instruments, from extended techniques, to complex patterns, to exquisitely controlled lyrical lines. I also admire the pure joy that emanates from their playing, no matter the repertoire. Written as a one‐movement work, it highlights the group as an ensemble, allows each member to solo, and utilizes some of their unique staging: the players move about and perform beyond their respective primary instruments (the work begins with bowed piano). So imagine 6 blackbirds, sitting on a wire…

“On A Wire” was commissioned by The Atlanta Symphony, The Akron Symphony, The Cincinnati Symphony, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Toronto Symphony, West Michigan Symphony, The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts with the Vermont Symphony, and The Cabrillo Festival.