By Britton Theurer. Written for Brass Quintet and Percussion/Vibraphone. Theurer composed Solanum Dulcamara in June 2006, when he learned of his mother's terminal cancer. It tries to convey a measured, surface austerity that can barely contain its deep sadness and wonder at the perceived fragility and transience of goodness, beauty, and being. Solanum dulcamara is Latin for bittersweet nightshade, a sprawling plant with purple flowers and poisonous red fruits resembling berries and stems that taste bitter then sweet when chewed. (Encarta English Dictionary)