Take It easy, but take it (2021)
for Violin and piano
Duration: 6 minutes
Premiere: May 5, 2021, Rachel Barton Pine, violin, and Matthew Hagle, piano, Chicago, IL
Take It Easy, But Take It is a lively and rhythmically driven duo for violin and piano, commissioned by WFMT to celebrate its 70th anniversary. The title comes from the iconic sign-off of Studs Terkel, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author and longtime WFMT host, whose phrase became synonymous with the station and Chicago’s cultural legacy. That phrase inspired the piece’s main rhythmic motive—though the music itself is anything but laid back. I composed it for the celebrated violinist Rachel Barton Pine and acclaimed pianist Matthew Hagle, crafting a work that reflects Rachel’s signature brilliance, warmth, and joyful spirit. Energetic and virtuosic, the piece honors both the legacy of WFMT and the artistry of the performers who bring it to life.