Instrumentation: Solo contrabass (or bass) trombone and piano
Duration: 9’45”
Program Note:
Imposter syndrome is the psychological mindset of doubting one’s skills and accomplishments to the point of being worried they will be exposed as frauds for not being good enough. This gnawing feeling of self-doubt can have a debilitating effect on one’s productivity, creativity, and overall mental health.
‘Imposter’ explores imposter syndrome in a three act structure, where anxiety and self-doubt present themselves, overwhelm the player, and are eventually embraced and resisted. The initial section of the piece is solemn and introspective, introducing a five-note ‘anxiety theme’ that becomes more frequent and powerful over time. The middle section is aggressive and disorienting, with a greater focus on rhythm and meter through eclectic variations of the anxiety theme. The final section reverts back to where the piece started, but brings moments of hope and perseverance through restatements of older themes in new harmonic contexts.
Chris Evan Hass, Composer 