between the strength of mid life and the frailty of old age
Recently I finished a new work for violin and piano, written for wonderful Hilary Hahn in thanks for her wonderful support of my work, including two recordings of my Blue Curve of the Earth (the most recent recording is on Hilary Hahn’s new recording, Retrospective).
My musical process is usually word driven, a new piece appears to me in the form of a title: a word or words that I am drawn to. My work then is to unravel the meaning in both spiritual and emotional theme. I write in my journal, I draw with my colored pencils or pastels, I take long walks. I often nap.
I am trying to understand my new piece I am writing—is it Hush or Shimmer?
I write, draw, compose what I know. This little island of time, so well carved out.
a home. warm rugs, comfortable chairs, back door open to the screened in porch so I can be both outside and in. filled with laughing children who sprawl on my back lawn between lessons, their feet in the creek. the evening alone. (how can I be so fortunate?)
I am home, I am here.
And, then the sands of time; this precious time between the strength of mid life and the frailty of old age.
What do I know? A spinning, both interior and exterior – energy arcing over the orb, light, glow.
A hush so I can be with life
A simmer of the great energy and love.
I am drawn to both.
(Journal, 8/17/17)
Listen to Blue Curve of the Earth performed by Hilary Hahn