Composed: 2021
Medium: flute quartet
Duration: c. 7:00
Dedication: Elizabeth Robinson

Finalist in the 2022 National Flute Association Newly Published Music Competition, Flute Quartets Category

Program Notes

Starlings are sociable birds native to or naturalized throughout much of the world. Though some, such as the Bali myna, are critically endangered, others are highly common (and even considered to be invasive pests). Three aspects of starlings—their feathers, their flocking behaviors, and their calls—served as a point of departure for this piece through subtle shimmers, staggered harmonies, shifting textures, dynamic contrasts, and birdsong-like phrases.

Though species vary greatly in appearance, many possess plumage with a beautiful iridescent metallic sheen. Starling’s vocalizations are diverse; they can be raucous and are known for their mimicry, which may include the calls of other birds, patterns of human speech, or even city noises. Their flocking behaviors are particularly fascinating, as huge groups of starlings will form murmurations, most often at dusk before roosting for the night. In a murmuration, hundreds or even thousands of starlings swoop through the sky forming an awe-inspiring, shape-shifting mass that is intricate and dynamic.

Starling was commissioned by Elizabeth Robinson.

World Premiere

April 3, 2022 - The Art Center of Highland Park, Illinois
Elizabeth Marshall, Francesca Leo, Rena Urso, and Amy Likar, flutes

Recordings

Aviary - Elizabeth Robinson, 2023