I Will Not Be Sad in this World

Score title: I Will Not Be Sad in this World
Composer: Eve Beglarian
More about the composer: Eve Beglarian
Date: 2006
Instrumentation: Alto flute, electronics; Bass flute, electronics
Library copy: Borrow from UMKC Libraries
Program note: Originally written for alto (or bass) flute, I Will Not Be Sad in this World is based on the Armenian troubadour Sayat Nova’s song Ashkharumes Akh Chim Kashil. The piece is often played on the duduk, and your flute playing should respond to the ornamentation, intonation, and vibrato of traditional duduk playing.

I Will Not Be Sad in this World is part of my ongoing project, A Book of Days. You can listen to Tim Munro’s live recording by visiting June 28th. There are several studio recordings available, including those by Marya Martin, Manuel Zurria, and Claudia Anderson.

Thanks to Marya Martin who commissioned the piece for the Flute Book for the 21st Century. You can purchase the performance materials here. Many thanks to my dear friend and colleague Margaret Lancaster, who tried out the piece for me and advised me about notation. Thanks also to the Civitella Ranieri Foundation who were my generous hosts while I was writing I Will Not Be Sad in this World.

Shining a Light 21st Century Music by Composers from Underrepresented Groups