Unwinding (2016) by Ursula Kwong-Brown
for violin, viola, and cello
World premiere; Earplay commission

The title Unwinding refers to a process in craniosacral therapy in which a physical therapist helps a patient to unravel tensions in the muscles and nervous system. After the trauma and pain is released, you are left feeling light and free. It is an amazing sensation. In 2013, I had a bike accident that left me with nearly constant headaches for over 2 years. Without craniosacral therapy, I do not think I could be composing today. Thank you to all the healers who taught me to unwind!