Thursday, An Umbrella is a piece that exists in two forms. The piece was originally written for solo electric guitar and electronics (loop pedal) in 2007, then rewritten for amplified septet (alto, flute, viola, marimba, electric guitar, violoncello, electric bass) in 2022.

The piece is comprised of three phrases, of varying lengths, which phase with one another. In the solo version, the phrases form the loop. In the ensemble version, the phrases evolve as the piece progresses. Harmonically, the piece uses an alternating progression of two major seventh chords, the subdominant and tonic, which is based on the opening theme from Erik Satie’s Gymnopédie no. 1. A simple melody floats above it all.