Written for Hub New Music

Mixed Quartet (Fl., Bb Cl., Vln., Vc.) — 7’45”

Premiered April 14, 2023. Illinois College Fine Arts Series. Jacksonville, Illinois.

This work was written for Hub New Music in cooperation with the Fine Arts Series at Illinois College for a concert in April of 2023.

As I started Spring Rounds the war in Ukraine was raging. I was amazed and inspired by the bravery of the people of Ukraine to fight for their freedom, and I had to write something in response. Rather than write a piece about the atrocities inflicted on the Ukrainians I wanted to write a piece about their hope for a better future and about the promise of Spring and renewed growth. This piece then operates in that tension between the horrors of war and the ability of the Ukrainians to continue to live and love in the face of tremendous adversity. My musical solution was to base the work on the national anthem of Ukraine. A musical symbol of strength, the anthem begins with the words “The glory of Ukraine has not yet perished, nor the will…”

The piece then begins slowly – as if starting a circle dance – and motives drawn from the national anthem present light and airy gestures. A faster section brings more ominous music with a running triplet motive and the introduction of a folk-like tune in 7/8 meter. Soon a portion of the national anthem emerges and shines over a stormy musical landscape. After the return of lighter material, the 7/8 tune comes back in full force. The central section ends with a passage of somber music, now set in minor, before returning to the lighter material. The work then ends in triumph on a very bright major triad.