My Heart Reacts

Kristin Shafel

2008

Alto saxophone, string quartet (violin (2), viola, cello)

My Heart Reacts is a piece that explores emotional energies for each listener to construe in her or his own way. The idea behind this piece and the reality of life is that every person experiences things differently, and experiencing music is no exception. It is a chance for the listener to ask themselves why they react emotionally to music the way they do. The first movement is titled "Scream," which could be interpreted as any number of emotions. One person may feel happiness, another rage or frustration, excitement, etc.---i.e. not only anger. The music of "Scream" could represent one or all of these emotions to the listener. It is harmonically dissonant and unsettling in mood, using tri-tone intervals and vigorous rhythms throughout. The second movement is titled "Sigh," which represents the opposite of "Scream" and reveals another range of emotions, such as sadness, relief, bliss, regret, etc., again all determined and experienced personally by each listener. "Sigh" has a distinctly melancholy quality in its layered harmonies and lyrical melodies. Certain melodic lines, harmonies, and rhythms are found in both movements, tying them together.