Asphodel

Asphodel (2023) musically depicts the flower that is said to carpet the underworld and adorn Persephone in Greek mythology, using William Carlos Williams’ striking poem “Asphodel, That Greeny Flower” as narrative inspiration. The piece contrasts Williams’ longing, hesitancy, passion, and curiosity for the subject of the poem with the asphodel flower’s ominous lore. The original flute and clarinet version of Asphodel was premiered by the 2023 Fromm Players as part of the Piece-a-Day Project at Tanglewood Music Center. Thank you to Giovanna Virgil and Mark Northup for premiering this soprano saxophone version at the 2024 U.S. Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium.