Let this Darkness be a Bell Tower (2018)

Duration: 9 minutes

Commissioned by: Dr. Anastasia Christofakis and Mr. Brendan Kelly with the Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, MD

Premiered by: Premiere by Anastasia Christofakis, clarinet; Brendan Kelly, director; and Albert Einstein High School Orchestra

Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet, String Orchestra, and Electronics

Program Note: Let This Darkness be a Bell Tower is inspired by the 29th poem from Sonnets to Orpheus II written by Rainer Maria Rilke. The powerful imagery in this poem reminds us to be the change we want to see in the world. The human spirit has continually triumphed in uncertain times throughout history. The piece features several quotes from key figures and events throughout history to remind us that while there is no promise of better days, we should not hide from darkness, but become stronger ringing together as a symbol of hope. It is important to inspire one another, stand firm to dream for a better world, and work together to achieve this vision. “What batters you becomes your strength. Let this darkness be a bell tower and you the bell.”

This piece is not a setting of the text, but only inspired by Rilke's poem. Electronics include famous speeches and quotes from history.