for solo tuba
Beasts in the Window was written and influenced by the idea of two cats sitting contently and innocently on a windowsill, while imagining their true alter ego (“beats”) revealing itself exclusively during the night. The piece satirically imitates the night sounds produced by these “beasts” through special effects and thematic content. The motive Bb-E-A-(B)-Eb is a cryptogram that spells the word “beasts” and includes an important tritone interval which is the central motific gesture of the work in which all other musical aspects are based on. Additional instrument effects attempt to portray the sounds of the “beasts” mischeif during the night.
This version, was arranged for solo tuba from the original flute version for tubist, Joseph Skillen.
