8. Arrow by JamesJOgburn published on 2023-01-08T18:34:01Z Arrow for Dave Eggar and Paul Vaillancourt In composing Arrow (2022), I was inspired by singularly-directed human life: stretching from the misguided, self-importance of mansplaining youth to the struggle to remain relevant in later years. The piece opens with a stark, simple, and free texture followed by a section with a clear melodic layer. This melody seems to establish theme through repetition and prominence, implying that it will remain important to the piece, but… it doesn’t. As the piece progresses, the pulse becomes more apparent, building intensity. Against this frame, the singing cello breaks off – first with a syncopation against the pulse and, later, with dramatically drawn out and slowing lines that don’t quite fit the harmony of the marimba. Like life, Arrow ends without much warning