Duration: ca. 10'

I. Together Again: ca. 5'

II. Off Again: ca. 4.5'

Commissioned By: Lingxiao Li, Saxophone

Premiere Performance: December 10, 2024. Lingxiao Li, saxophone; Casey Dierlam Tse, piano

Program Note: When I moved away from home for the first time as a seventeen-year-old, I found that I developed a peculiar disposition towards my hometown. At first, I was ecstatic to be living on my own and pursuing my own adventures, eagerly leaving behind my old life and embracing the new. But with each passing holiday, I increasingly found myself longing for the simple joy of being home with my family. However, when I was home, I found myself longing to be back with my newfound friends and responsibilities. Stomping Grounds expresses the duality of emotions that can come with moving away and occasionally returning home. "Together Again" captures the warm contentment of finally being reunited with loved ones, while "Off Again" embodies the adventurous spirit that yearns to be off onto the next adventure.