Motu was written for the Midwest Clinic at the request of Capt. Kenneth Collins, and has proven quite the exciting addition to wind band repertoire. The title comes from the Latin term meaning “of motion” and was inspired by Buchanan’s interests in running and pop music.

In his words: “The only time I can think is when I’m moving. To this end, I’ve also been influenced by the process and pulse-based music of Steve Reich and Terry Riley, as well as Zack Browning, one of my professors at the University of Illinois, who encouraged me to embrace my first love, popular music, in more classical forms of composition. I also endeavored to explore the nature of motion, at least in my own experience. In some sections, the motion itself acts as the primary force driving the work forward. During others, overlapping, independent lines written in phase impart a sense of stillness to the work, the goal of which being to completely obscure the pulse. Given all the factors above stated, not only do I find myself most able to concentrate while I’m in motion, but it’s frequently the time I feel most at peace.”
– Christopher Buchanan, United States Navy Band, December 19, 2022