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While trying to put together this recital, I was determined to not only program music that I genuinely enjoy listening to and performing, but I also wanted to keep some sort of central theme between all the pieces performed. While looking into the pieces more, reading composer interviews, and reading program notes, I ultimately noticed one recurring theme: hope. Regardless of the original themes, inspirations, or other ideas these pieces revolve around, they all start with a situation and the overall message at the end is having hope. I actually didn't plan for this when I was originally programming the music, it just kind of happened to line up like that for the most part.
disquiet: This is the one exception because I don't believe there's program notes for this (yet) since it's so *new*. However, since this piece is pretty specific to me, I will advocate and say that there is hope and progress to be made with tackling social anxiety.
Tundra: "I have found comfort in noticing the parallels between depression and the tundra environment. There is a sense of emptiness, stillness, and despair that comes with having a foundation that is permanently frozen; it is increasingly frustrating to try to grow and thrive in these conditions. But there is also a sense of hope and determination in this ongoing effort, and a wave of relief and gratitude when things begin to thaw."
Until then, Skål: ““Propulsive, static, falling, climbing, hopeful, despondent, reverent, humorous; the music in this single-movement work is in a constant state of change. The nature of the work refutes the illusory idea of permanence. Rather it celebrates it, makes peace with it, peeks behind the curtain, and smiles.”
Hindsight: I think that since this is something we've personally lived through collectively, there is still a sense of hope and progress (even if initially it was not as smooth as some of us may have wished).
Melting Dream: "...Yoshimatsu tries to musically describe a person's state of mind when he misses the opportunity to achieve a long-awaited dream or life goal. This lament evolves during the performance until a new hope is glimpsed at the conclusion of the piece."
Social Anxiety, depression, death, COVID, and missed opportunities... sounds like a fun recital!
I wanted to have music with specific meanings and stories behind them, perform music dealing with issues I have personal connection to, and share a common ending message of hope while also showcasing a variety of new music and composers.
disquiet: This is the one exception because I don't believe there's program notes for this (yet) since it's so *new*. However, since this piece is pretty specific to me, I will advocate and say that there is hope and progress to be made with tackling social anxiety.
Tundra: "I have found comfort in noticing the parallels between depression and the tundra environment. There is a sense of emptiness, stillness, and despair that comes with having a foundation that is permanently frozen; it is increasingly frustrating to try to grow and thrive in these conditions. But there is also a sense of hope and determination in this ongoing effort, and a wave of relief and gratitude when things begin to thaw."
Until then, Skål: ““Propulsive, static, falling, climbing, hopeful, despondent, reverent, humorous; the music in this single-movement work is in a constant state of change. The nature of the work refutes the illusory idea of permanence. Rather it celebrates it, makes peace with it, peeks behind the curtain, and smiles.”
Hindsight: I think that since this is something we've personally lived through collectively, there is still a sense of hope and progress (even if initially it was not as smooth as some of us may have wished).
Melting Dream: "...Yoshimatsu tries to musically describe a person's state of mind when he misses the opportunity to achieve a long-awaited dream or life goal. This lament evolves during the performance until a new hope is glimpsed at the conclusion of the piece."
Social Anxiety, depression, death, COVID, and missed opportunities... sounds like a fun recital!
I wanted to have music with specific meanings and stories behind them, perform music dealing with issues I have personal connection to, and share a common ending message of hope while also showcasing a variety of new music and composers.
Hey Chris, you forgot the last piece? What's good?
We'll get there. Don't worry. :)