B O K E H

Bokeh: [BOH-Kay] n.

The aesthetic quality of the blur produced in out-of-focus parts of an image, caused by the “Circles of Confusion.”

Bokeh is the warm, circular glow given off by out of focus lights, as seen in many beautiful rainy-day pictures of traffic,

busy city streets, and park lanterns. 

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Bokeh, for alto flute and piano, was commissioned by two very wonderful friends and supporters of my music, Hal Ide and Richard Gloss. The sentiment behind the piece is of sincere connection between the two performers, coming together to create music in conversation with each other. I wanted to evoke a sense of capriciousness in both parts to emulate a communal joy, while creating a warm sonic environment that both performers could find shelter within. Looking at images of “bokeh” brought sense of nostalgia for the cozy days that only stormy weather can bring; of gentle rain, a warm home, a cup of tea/coffee, and starring out the window without a sense of lost time or urgency.

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Written for flutist, Hal Ide and Pianist, Richard Gloss

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Performance by: Rose Bishop and Abbie Brewer

Website: rosebishopflute.com