The Lorca Symphony

Description

This work started with the reading of poetry by the great Federico García Lorca.

As with many of my compositions, the first spark of creativity came from the written word; and what powerful words they are. The first movement, “Shadow of the afternoon,” describes how they laid the body of Ignacio Sánchez Mejías (Lorca’s friend and toreador most famous) under a tree after he had been fatally gored. With great fanfare, he entered and with great sadness he left.

“Even the sea dies!” mourns the loss of a great friend. Although the music is marked Grave (very slow), the melodic material is not intended to be dark but reconfirming. The melodic material moves up and down with the predictability of waves. However, even with all the dramatic sweeping chords and tension, there is a moment of resolve when “even the sea dies.”

The finale reaffirms the greatness and glory of a man who “once was” as they “sing his elegance in words that moan.” This symphony is not intended to make a statement pro or con on any subject other than the great love and admiration that one human has for another and how we, as individuals, affect those in and around our lives. The same as Ignacia Mejas touched and changed the lives of many, and especially Lorca, this composition reflects how Lorca has touched and changed my life. It is my hope that, in turn, my music will touch and change others.

Published by: RBC Publications