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River of Time is a deeply personal exploration of time’s flow and our place within it. Commissioned by and written for Neil Mueller, Timothy Muffin, and the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, David Biedenbender’s work draws inspiration from hearing conductor Kevin Noe use the phrase, “river of time” during his studies. That phrase became a conceptual thread, for this work, and drew continued inspiration from Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and Carlo Rovelli’s The Order of Time, which explore the mysteries of time through science, art, and the grappling of life’s ephemerality.
The work’s first movement, Becoming, takes listeners on a journey of swirling time, while the second movement, Flowing, focuses the listener on the idea of being present. Biedenbender shares, “Imagine a beautiful moment that you simply don’t want to end. For me, I remember holding my infant son, listening to his slow, relaxed breathing as he slept peacefully on my chest.” The final movement, Crossing, challenges our linear perception of time, ending listeners with the question of “What if we could traverse the river of time?”.
David Biedenbender’s music has been praised by Gramophone for seizing “the ear through a blend of expressive beauty and formal prowess…at turns rapturous and intimate, menacing and exuberant.” His work reflects diverse influences from rock and jazz to Indian Carnatic music and New Orleans brass bands.
River of Time features Neil Mueller, Professor of Trumpet at Central Michigan University and Principal Trumpet of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, in a commanding performance of this technically demanding and emotionally resonant work. Mueller brings his extensive experience as both soloist and orchestral musician to this world premiere recording.
The Lansing Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Timothy Muffitt, provides the rich orchestral canvas for this temporal exploration. Founded in 1929, the Symphony is recognized as one of Michigan’s cultural treasures.
River of Time was recorded live at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts at Michigan State University on January 12, 2024, and produced by GRAMMY® nominated producer Sergei Kvitko. The release of this recording was funded in part by a Faculty Research and Creative Endeavors Grant from the Central Michigan University Office of Research and Graduate Studies and The Sam & Mary Austin Fund for New Music.
TRACK LISTING
I.I. Becoming (3:48)
2.II. Flowing (10:07)
3. III. Crossing (4:33)