Di Sanza-Pulled From Time-M

Composed in 2023, Pulled from Time opens with plaintive melodic material that outlines the work’s harmonic home base and sets a mood of introspection. Following the serene introduction, the music turns buoyant, but uneasy as the feel of the steady 6/8 meter is thwarted by unpredictable bass interjections. In both appearances of the allegro material, the uneasy tension is resolved when the bass finally falls into a steady rhythmic groove. The contrasting middle section paints faint musical gestures that are blurred at the edges, again uneasy but more resigned due to experience. The work ends with a rare statement of the tonic chord without the disruptive major seventh, perhaps representing a sense of optimism.

An initial version of Pulled from Time was composed in 2020 during the globally devastating COVID 19 pandemic and during the final months of my only sister’s decline and ultimate death. This piece is dedicated to the memory of my sister, Pamela, and the strength she showed throughout her life. She passed well before her time.

Pulled from Time was composed with a number of pedagogical concerns in mind. Providing a workspace for the development of relaxed and controlled left-hand octave technique is a primary goal. Additionally, focus on interior mallet voicings (especially mallet #3) and creating a diverse pallet of articulation to distinguish the work’s various characters are important for a successful performance.

- Anthony Di Sanza