Program note

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, this septet was written to convey the emotions that the year 2020 had brought upon many of my fellow Aaron Copland School of Music students locked away at home, including sadness, but with a small glimmer of hope. Each of the seven players has an equally important role, presenting unresolved conflict and introducing new beginnings. The descending, haunting motif introduced in the beginning of the work constantly echoes in all the parts, while hope is portrayed through ascending pitches. The final chord seems uncertain of what is to come in the future; we can only hope for the best.