When AJ Pratt commissioned this caprice in 2016, he made the following requests:

​Make it unaccompanied. Make it short. And make it flashy.

A caprice, in musical terms, is just that - short and lively, freely flowing and not adhering to specific formal structures. But, when the word “caprice” is used as a noun, separate from its musical definition, it means something else entirely - a sudden and unusual change in mood or behavior, with no explanation given as to how or why the change has occurred.

A Jovial Whim is, by nature, all of these things. It adheres to the stylistic intentions of the solo caprice (with some brief continuity gracefully woven in), but it also adheres to the other definition of the word throughout its bursts of overconfidence and arrogance. Imagine someone acting not quite as themselves - perhaps making a scene, perhaps experiencing an emotionally overwhelming outburst. Imagine someone eventually collapsing in embarrassment upon the realization of the predicament that they themselves have created from their arrogance and boastful whims. Serve with an overabundance of misplaced joy, spirit, and vigor.

My sincerest gratitude to AJ for commissioning this piece and giving it an excellent world premiere during the virtual 2021 NASA Region V Conference.