A Pursuit of Happiness
for Woodwind Quartet (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon)
Duration: 6 minutes
A Pursuit of Happiness explores the universal, sometimes turbulent journey of the human spirit seeking contentment. While the piece follows an emotional narrative of trial and hope, its underlying musical architecture draws inspiration from the rigorous mechanics and expressionistic techniques of Alban Berg. Rather than imitating Berg’s style, the music adapts and expands upon his structural concepts to serve a programmatic goal. The result is a dynamic dialogue among the woodwind quartet, where complex textures mirror the internal obstacles, breakthroughs, and persistent striving of one person’s quest for joy.