Grady, J :: Murmuration

ALRY Publications presents 'Murmuration' for flute and harp by Jennifer Grady. 

The composer writes, "Murmurations are large groups of starlings that twist, turn, swoop and swirl across the sky in beautiful shape-shifting clouds. 'Murmuration' is two pieces written for flute and harp. The first movement is called 'Murmuration'. The harp uses a number of effects to paint images of a large group of starlings, with patterns changing as the birds contract and expand merging into each other in unison, like a choreographed dance. Starlings are the only birds that form murmurations. The second movement is called 'Song of the Starlings'. Starlings can warble, whistle, chatter, make smooth liquid sounds, harsh trills and rattles, and imitate meadowlarks, jays, and hawks. The songs tend to consist of either loud whistles or softer, jumbled warbling. Whistled songs are a few seconds long, often used between males. Many people find starlings a nuisance, but I found them fascinating."