Instrumentation: viola, piano
Duration: ca. 11:00
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Program notes:
Like a storyteller inviting listeners into an epic journey, “The Path Laid Before Me” imparts us with a glimpse into the chronicles of one who has been called to a daunting mission but chooses to persevere through obstacles, fears, and doubt, allowing them to live victoriously in spite of dark times. Through this voyager’s eyes, we witness a somewhat obscure calling come into focus. Ethereal harmonics from the viola coalesce into a heartfelt, lyrical melody that vacillates between tranquility and unease. As variations on this initial theme traverse the many chapters of their saga, they discover that the path to serenity is a choice. The battle may not be over, but they can be filled with light and peace.
“ . . .courage [is] not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” – Nelson Mandela
“The Path Laid Before Me” was premiered by violist D’aci Knight and pianist HyeJin Kim in Pasadena, CA, on June 9th, 2018.
Click the video below to watch violist Jonathan Moerschel and pianist Vicki Ray perform The Path Laid Before Me as part of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s Meet The Music concert on April 27th, 2021.
Sakari Dixon Vanderveer 