Tundra

Tundra, Cait Nishimura (2020/2025) 9'
for solo with piano (multiple instrumentation versions available) 

Tundra is a musical window into the experience of living with depression. It was commissioned and premiered in early 2020 by Christian Michael Folk on a euphonium recital featuring music about mental health. When Christian approached me about writing this piece, I knew it would be an emotionally-demanding project. I have been using music as a creative and emotional outlet for most of my life, but the idea of expressing such a personal and sensitive experience was scary, even to me. I'm very proud of this work and my hope is that performances of this piece will encourage more dialogue around mental health.

Tundra ecosystems are vast, treeless plains found throughout the coldest regions on the planet. Growth is limited here due to severely low temperatures and permanently frozen subsoil, called permafrost. National Geographic refers to tundra as “barren” and “one of the earth’s coldest, harshest biomes”. While covered in snow for the majority of the year, tundra lands are rewarded with bursts of hardy wildflowers in the summer.

I have found comfort in noticing the parallels between depression and the tundra environment. There is a sense of emptiness, stillness, and despair that comes with having a foundation that is permanently frozen; it is increasingly frustrating to try to grow and thrive in these conditions. But there is also a sense of hope and determination in this ongoing effort, and a wave of relief and gratitude when things begin to thaw.

This piece is a continuous series of musical tension and release. My goal was to depict not only the darkest moments, but also the relentless effort to rise above and the brief but glorious moments of triumph. Despite all the challenges that come with this journey, there is beauty and light in accepting, and even embracing, life in the tundra.

One dollar from each purchase of this piece will be donated to local mental health organizations. Thank you for helping to support this important work. 

Available versions:
Bassoon and piano
Horn and piano
Euphonium and piano (Bb and C parts included)