Inventory is both a song and a theatrical moment. It was composed for Patricia O’Callaghan and the Soundstreams ensemble with funds from the Ontario Arts Council. Early on, Anton and I thought it would interesting to create a piece about something contemporary and immediate, rather than say, a historical drama or abstract poem. Something with numbers. Anton came back with a wonderful text that luxuriates in shoe names - Silver sling- backs with slip-resistant soles, Espadrille grosgrain ribbon ankle-wraps – the best part is that these are real! The music is often made up of different kinds of tremolos, or wide trills, played by groups of instruments. Also included are sections with overlapping accelerating gestures, where the change in speed is meant to be the normal state of the music. Text by Anton Piatigorsky, 2006: Hear them clicking ‘round above me? Fetching shoes for snooty ladies. Someone, happily, blissfully, Has to check the inventory. Luminani cap-toe heels: 6, 7, 8, 9 Slides in both tan and black suede: 5, 6, 7, 8 Silver sling- backs with slip-resistant soles: 7, 8, 9, 10 In this basement sanctuary Boxes warm me like a blanket. Songs I know on the stereo And a tranquil hour alone. Alligator Shanghai moc-toes: 8,9,10,11 Mary Janes in chocolate brown: 6,7,8,9 Cambrelle D’orsays with Baby Louis heels: 6,7,8,10 Jelly shoes with embossed leather: 7,8,9,10 Mai Tai nut meg platform wedges: 5,6,9,11 Boho chic sequin clogs: 8,10,11,12 Fluevog skip rope knee-high boots: 7,8,9,12 Sassy peep-toe pumps with jewel ornament: 6,8,9,12 My pencil checking down the list A meditative reverie Only broken once to covet The Antique Greenwich kitten mules. Maybe I’ll try those satin heels Their tapered toes are so for me How they raise my calf, ‘how sexy’ That’s what he’ll whisper in my ear ‘I’m sure that I’ve met you before You bought blood oranges in Pucelli’s And your smile is Botticelli’ But the shoes are inventory. Golden sandals with pump heels: 7, 8, 9, 10 Ballerina flats for kids: 1, 2, 3, 4 Espadrille grosgrain ribbon ankle-wraps: 7, 9, 11, 12 In this basement mortuary Boxes shroud me like a tomb Songs I know on the stereo For yet another hour alone.