I set myself to the ordering of two pieces from many years ago. They are founded upon the ostinato, and too often I left their progress to chance. Useful once upon a time but fickle as a cats affection. Now I resolve to lure these wandering sketches and make a painting. With chapters bearing titles like banners. Let each section know its duty: where it begins, where it advances, where it makes its stand, and where it yields the field to the next. Thus does sound, previously scattered, march in orderly ranks. It’s war being an improviser! This is not fussiness but strategy. The ear, like a soldier, must be provisioned in rations it can carry. Bite-sized, sufficient for strength, no excess. It serves not only the listener’s understanding, but the composer’s courage. Command the materials, shape your fate. No longer at the mercy of whim.