The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows

The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig “is a compendium of new words for emotions. Its mission is to shine a light on the fundamental strangeness of being a human being - all the aches , demons, vibes, joys, and urges that are humming in the background of everyday life”.

I chose five of these new words as a point of inspiration for each movement of my wind quintet.

1. Kenopsia - the eeriness of places left behind
2. Oleka - the awareness of how few days are memorable
3. Chtosis - the awareness of how little we really know
4. Morri - the desire to capture a fleeting experience
5. Klexos - the art of dwelling on the past

Mark Simpson (2025)

Reproduction Rights
This programme note can be reproduced in concert programmes with a credit to the composer