Derek Bermel (b. 1967)

Dust Dances (1994)
Thracian Echoes (2002)
Elixir (2006)
Voices, for Solo Clarinet and Orchestra (1997)
I. Id
II. She Move Thru the Fair
III. Jamm on Toast

Derek Bermel, clarinet

Boston Modern Orchestra Project
Gil Rose

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The orchestra continues to hold a great attraction for me because it is an unusual example of collective humanity in our digital era. Each of the works on this disc shares a particular concept or experience with eighty musicians. Voices is an orchestral enactment of a gigantic conversation/song, each movement probing a different facet of the human voice. Elixir traces the faint halo of an otherwordly seduction and in Dust Dances, I reimagine the orchestra as a collective gyil (West African xylophone). Thracian Echoes conjures the blurred memory of Bulgarian folk melodies in both manic and mournful expression.

In rendering my sonic imaginations onto the blank manuscript paper, I recognize that something vital will surely be lost in translation. However, nestled within this very "failure" is the seed of creation. An abstract piece of music blossoms, transcending my original intentions and becoming an independent, breathing entity. As Samuel Beckett wrote, "Fail again. Fail better." I embrace that compelling, unending quest. And so the orchestra - our largest musical community - remains a magical starting point for my impossible dreams.

-Derek Bermel