DESCRIPTION:
SILENCED VOICE
Dedicated to violist, Roberta Crawford and to the memory of Rachel Corrie and all those who have fought oppression armed only with the goodness of their hearts.

I was inspired to compose Silenced Voice after hearing a radio interview on Democracy Now with host, Amy Goodman and guest, actor/peace activist, Vanessa Redgrave regarding the play, My Name is Rachel Corrie. Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old American peace activist from Olympia, Washington, died on March 16, 2003, while attempting to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian family's home. Listening to the soulful voice of Vanessa Redgrave tell of this tragic event touched me so deeply, that I began composing the first movement of Silenced Voice for Viola and Piano— the viola being for me the closest musical reflection of Ms. Redgrave's voice.

In the wake of all this pain and suffering in the world, I have to ask myself, "Where do I stand? How do I go on with my life while these horrors continue every day?" While I believe that one should defend human rights, whether through words or actions, and that one should bear witness and shed light on atrocities whenever possible, there has to be a place inside oneself where fear and anger can be released—hence, O You Tender Ones. My wife, Roberta Crawford gave me a gift of Rilke's Sonnets to Orpheus many years ago. I was always drawn to this particular sonnet and the lines:

Even the trees you planted as children Long since grew too heavy, you could not sustain them. Ah, but the breezes...ah, but the spaces...

These words which have lived within me for over 30 years are now released in music.