Stifled is a conversation of inner energies— bursts of playfulness, movement, and irregularity, but all with a consciousness. The piece is meant to mimic a sense of self-restraint; and this fighting towards expression is what drives the melodic and contrapuntal material forward. Stifled was written with João Luiz’s playing in mind. His clarity of line, sense of timing, and simultaneous virtuosity certainly inspired the piece’s direction.