Lookfar: Chorale for Ursula is inspired by the imaginative works of Ursula K. LeGuin, one of America’s greatest authors of science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fiction who passed away in 2018. “Lookfar” is the name of a small boat used by the protagonist of A Wizard of Earthsea who sails to the many islands and exotic ports of LeGuin’s novels. Her works, the Earthsea books in particular, are remarkable to me for their depth of feeling and humanity as well as an undying sense of hope and optimism. My short chorale is a loving tribute to little Lookfar and its lonely passenger, struggling to find his way in a sprawling sea filled with terrors, wonders, and joys.
-Notes by the composer, June 2020, Fort Collins, Colorado
Instrumentation
Five wind parts may be played with any number of instruments as described below:
Part 1: Flute, Oboe, B-flat Clarinet, B-flat Trumpet
Part 2: B-flat Clarinet, B-flat Trumpet, Alto Saxophone
Part 3: B-flat Clarinet, B-flat Trumpet, Alto Saxophone, F Horn
Part 4: Tenor Saxophone, F Horn, Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon
Part 5: Bass Clarinet, Baritone Saxophone, Trombone/Euphonium/Bassoon, Tuba
Piano (optional)
Percussion: Timpani (3 drums), Crotales (Glockenspiel may be substituted), Suspended Cymbal, Triangle