“Composers in the throes of frustration, failure or rage have been known to burn, mutilate or otherwise dispose of their compositions. Berlioz, Bruckner, Dukas and Brahms come to mind,” writes Michael Huebner in Tuesday’s (10/15) Birmingham News (Alabama). “Hannah Lash, Alabama Symphony’s 2013-14 Sound Investment composer-in-residence, has a different story to tell about her works’ demise. Stored in her computer, they vanished along with the rest of her files, her wallet and iPod when a thief broke into her car three years ago…. She took action by doing what she does best—composing music…. One piece that has been getting some air time and positive notices is ‘Hush,’ a 15-minute work [from 2011] for small orchestra.… ‘Hush’ will be the centerpiece for the ASO’s first Classical Edge concert of 2013-14, Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.… It was premiered two days before the 10th anniversary of 9-11, which may have been an influence on the composition. ‘It was a very personal response,’ [Lash] said. ‘I don’t think of it as a political piece, but it certainly has lots of connections to that feeling of catastrophe and loss of security.’ ” In addition to serving as composer in residence at the ASO, Lash holds a residency with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, which has commissioned a work to be premiered in April 2014.
Posted October 16, 2013
