My father’s lifelong passion for baking has always captivated me, particularly with his notion of the “death of the yeast” referring to the moment the bread is ready. This idea struck me as profoundly poetic, and it is the main source of inspiration for this work. “Leaven” is a musical odyssey that immerses listeners in the microprocesses of bread preparation from yeast’s perspective, encouraging them to contemplate the yeast’s profound journey and the beauty inherent in the ordinary processes that sustain us.
The journey commences with an ethereal introduction, envisioning ingredients slowly converging into a single ball of dough. Within this airy atmosphere, yeast gradually emerges as a colony of highly active microorganisms. As the music transitions into a lively, dance-like section, it embodies the joyful choreography of kneading dough, with rhythmic beats mirroring the slap of dough on the table. Yeast awakens, stretches, and prepares for its primary transformation.
The music adopts a groovy tone, mirroring yeast’s “drunken” state during proofing. It simulates the fermentation process as yeast consumes sugars and the dough continues to rise. With each instrument contributing to a harmonious contrapuntal tapestry, the assembly of the bread takes shape. The music intensifies to reflect the baking process, using percussive effects and dramatic gestures to depict the increasing temperature and the expansion of billions of yeast cells.
In the final moments, the composition shifts into a solemn funeral march for the yeast. There’s an eerie anticipation as yeast cells meet their fate. Yet amidst the solemnity, there’s a sweet reflection honoring yeast’s sacrifice – providing body, aroma, and flavor to bread, ultimately giving its life in the process.
