title
six letters
year of composition
2024
instrumentation
mezzo-soprano, baritone, and piano
duration
15'
program notes
The piece is based on the letters of Robert Walker, a Civil War soldier, and newly written responses by Christina Grohowski, the mezzo-soprano performing the work. Spanning 1861 to 1865, the piece highlights the relationship between a mother and her son, focusing on the emotional resonance of their everyday conversations rather than the direct horrors of war.
The structure begins with the soldier's death notice, narrated with piano accompaniment, and unfolds in reverse chronological order. This arrangement offers a layered perspective, tracing back to Robert's first letter 858 days earlier. While the letters maintain their understated tone, the music is envisioned to gradually shift, revealing the unspoken emotional depth of the characters. This approach transforms ordinary words into a poignant musical narrative, capturing love, loss, and connection amid the backdrop of war.
written
for yale song lab
performance history
december 11, 2024 | new haven, united states
christina grohowski · mezzo-soprano
fredy bonilla · baritone
sandro tsereteli · piano
