The Voice of Trees
Instrumentation: Piano Solo
Duration: 6:30
Program Notes
Inspired by the book, The Hidden Life of Trees, The Voice of Trees explores the ways in which trees communicate with each other and the world around them to survive, thrive, and even subvert danger, using scent, visual signals, and even sound.
The Voice of Trees evokes images of a healthy forest canopy, the sharing of food and information, the low rumbling and crackling of the root system, identifying threats and warning signals, and the silence of trees. We can learn much from trees: the importance of communication and sharing for the common good, support and care of our ill and weak, and respect for our elders and the deceased.
Commissioned by the Wisconsin Music Teacher’s Association (WMTA), and Music Teacher’s National Association (MTNA), and premiered at the 2025 WMTA Conference.