Separated at Birth, for woodwind trio, consists of a central movement and two outer bagatelles. The middle movement is a kind of homage to Stefan Wolpe, though neither imitating his style nor incorporating quotation. Bookending this middle movement are two bagatelles, which serve to 'shield' this middle movement from the outside world. The infiltration nonetheless does take place, however, which is perhaps inevitable.
That this infiltration has already taken place before the second bagatelle begins, i.e., that the second bagatelle has failed its objective before it has even been played, is a paradox that can only be contemplated in retrospect.
First performance by Ensemble SurPlus, conducted by James Avery. Martina Roth, flute; Peter Veale, oboe; Carl Rosman, clarinet. Date: August 25, 2003.