“Pastiche” is a four-movement orchestral work scored for a compact ensemble: flute, oboe, B-flat clarinet, two bassoons, two French horns, timpani, marimba, and strings (with four each of Violin I and II, three violas, two cellos, and one contrabass). The marimba assumes a starring role, functioning almost as the soloist in a succinct concerto and providing a vivid focal point as it interweaves through the texture. Across the piece, a variety of extended techniques are employed on most instruments, creating fresh and engaging colors throughout the ensemble. Harmonically, the music moves fluidly between diverse twentieth-century idioms—atonality, contemporary harmonies, and signature techniques drawn from various compositional schools—yet it remains firmly grounded in a distinct melodic sensibility. Melodies abound in each movement, displaying an ongoing commitment to lyricism and thematic invention, which serves as the anchor for listeners amidst the sophisticated harmonic and textural landscape. The composition's design features four continuous movements, separated only by brief pauses, ensuring a seamless developmental arc while offering space for reflection and contrast. Wit and invention characterize the musical dialogue, as the work balances playful allusion with earnest craftsmanship, creating a vivid tapestry that marries virtuosity, experimentation, and an unwavering attention to expressive melody.

p