The Animus Winds is a composition for flute and electroacoustic sound. Thematically, the composition explores an opposition of two perceptions: the sensual experience of wind against a personification of wind as a supernatural force. The electroacoustic sound recolors and reshapes recordings of wind and flutes, such that flutes take on characteristics of the wind, and wind takes on both musical and vocal qualities. There is also a dramatic schema, in which the flute takes the role of a person who is at times drawn into the natural spirit of the wind, and at other times strongly confronts its more hostile animus.

2009

The current version (2009) is for C flute, although the original version (2006) was for alto flute and an opportunity to remix the electroacoustic sound with a new performance on this lower flute would be welcome.

Assistant to perform audio cues. For concert performance the use of a footswitch by the flutist can detract from the drama of the work, so the audio files are best performed by an offstage assistant (often from the sound reinforcement console). The person performing cues should be able to read a musical score and take visual and aural cues from the flutist.