Lest We Forget, written for the Zodiac Trio, was inspired by
the approach of Memorial Day 2006 but has evolved into a composition
with a more encompassing vision. The work was originally conceived to
depict the horrors of war and to pay tribute to those who served and
gave their lives so that freedom can endure. The conception expanded to
include the horrors of natural disasters, the destruction of lives and
property, and ability of humans to endure and rebound from the depths of
despair. In essence, the piece is about the fragility of human life and
the triumph of the spirit. The composition is in three movements.
I. Fury - Strong rhythmic and contrapuntal lines depict outbursts
of anger or the power of nature. The quieter sections represented a
seething that builds to the violent outbursts.
II. Devastation - This movement is filled with musical
representations of screams, anger, laments, and hopelessness as one
faces the aftermath of destruction. Long melodic lines in minor are
interspersed with short motifs throughout the movement.
III. Triumph of the Spirit - The movement begins quietly and
slowly as if wandering among the desolation. Two thematic ideas appear
during the slow section, one a prayer-like melody in the violin and the
other an imitative development of the prayer idea that later
representing taking initiative. These ideas transition into a faster
tempo where a new theme is introduced that represents determination. The
three thematic ideas alternate and development as the movement builds to
a climax showing the power of the human spirit to survive catastrophe.
This piece is recorded by The Zodiac Trio on their CD The Zodiac Trio.