Duration: 8’

Recording: https://youtu.be/-bQADN8Rke4?si=To45Z70MO-qKIxmH

On the Other Hand is about the process of formulating an idea. Ideas rarely develop linearly; they are the complex sum of fixations, flirtations, and predispositions that arise, interrupt, and contradict one other. Through cognitive effort, we filter, blend, and refine these infinitely faceted thoughts into a pure idea worth communicating. Often, the process circles back to the initial seed of intuition—a conclusion subconsciously chosen before the process began.

I wrote On the Other Hand for violinist Adrianna Mateo, who premiered the piece at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2016. At just under 5', it was intended as a concise recital opener. In 2022, Lorenz Gamma approached me about the possibility of recording On the Other Hand for his album of solo violin works. He was fond of the little piece but suggested that I expand it into something more "substantial" (his words) and virtuosic (mine). While I considered the piece complete, I took his invitation seriously. Could I add any new material while preserving the critical architecture of the original? In the end, a new cadenza took shape, nearly doubling the length of the piece; rather than diluting it, the expansion enhanced my core concept. The result is a more complete expression of the train of thought I started following more than five years ago.

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Thank you to Adrianna Mateo, Lorenz Gamma, and everyone who has performed On the Other Hand since 2016; and thank you to my editor and engraver, Ender Smith, for helping me refine the look and feel of the printed score.

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NOTE: If you have previously purchased this score and would like the updated version, please email scores@chrysanthetan.com so we can send it to you at no cost.

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Cover art is by Ender Smith.