James M. David (b. 1978) is an American composer and teacher whose works for winds and other genres have earned him numerous awards and print accolades. The son of a band director, he studied composition at the University of Georgia and Florida State University. He currently teaches music theory and composition at Colorado State University. See more about him at his website and the Wind Repertory Project.
Lookfar is one of the many flex band works written in response to the COVID pandemic in 2020. David describes his specific literary inspiration for the piece in his program note:
Lookfar: Chorale for Ursula is inspired by the imaginative works of Ursula K. LeGuin, one of America’s greatest authors of science fiction, fantasy, and young adult fiction who passed away in 2018. “Lookfar” is the name of a small boat used by the protagonist of A Wizard of Earthsea who sails to the many islands and exotic ports of LeGuin’s novels. Her works, the Earthsea books in particular, are remarkable to me for their depth of feeling and humanity as well as an undying sense of hope and optimism.
My short chorale is a loving tribute to little Lookfar and its lonely passenger, struggling to find his way in a sprawling sea filled with terrors, wonders, and joys.
Here is David’s original MIDI realization:
And a live performance from San Jose State University:
You can learn more about this piece at David’s website, Murphy Music, and the Wind Repertory Project. A look at Ursula K. LeGuin’s website is also highly recommended!