We cannot always paint flowers... for Wind Ensemble (Print & Ship)
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We cannot always paint flowers...was commissioned by Amy Emelianoff and the Newark Academy Wind Ensemble and premiered on April 29th, 2018. The work is inspired by two quotes from Karel Husa that concern his resounding Music for Prague 1968 (1969):
“It is not as beautiful a music as one always would like to hear. But we cannot always paint flowers, we cannot always speak in poetry about beautiful clouds, there are sometimes we would like to express the fight for freedom.” (Music for Prague 1968 Program Notes)
and:
“I don’t think of it as a political message for one country. It is universal.”
(Los Angeles Times interview with Karel Husa by Marc Shulgold. March 1st, 1986 “‘Music for Prague’: Karel Husa: Putting His Convictions to Music”.)
Now, fifty years after the events that inspired his response, Husa’s words remain as timely as ever. Human rights, equality, government, education, the environment, healthcare, and so much more are fights we as global citizens must keep fighting for. One must not forget that sometimes the most necessary battles are the ones presented in the smallest packages.
This piece runs the gamut of hope/anxiety, seriousness/mockery, and tragedy/comedy with a musical language only the time and place of its composition could provide. As the seniors of the Newark Academy Wind Ensemble chose the theme of resistance/rebellion for this commission their instruments (alto and baritone saxophone, trumpet, and percussion) have vital roles in the dramaturgy of the piece.
To Sam, Ezra, Thomas, and Benjy: as you move to the next chapter in your lives remember the opportunities you have been provided and use your experiences wisely for the benefit of those around you. No, we cannot always paint flowers...but we must remember why we fight for the opportunities to do so.
- Matthew Nunes
January 17th – February 1st, 2018
Windsor, Connecticut
“It is not as beautiful a music as one always would like to hear. But we cannot always paint flowers, we cannot always speak in poetry about beautiful clouds, there are sometimes we would like to express the fight for freedom.” (Music for Prague 1968 Program Notes)
and:
“I don’t think of it as a political message for one country. It is universal.”
(Los Angeles Times interview with Karel Husa by Marc Shulgold. March 1st, 1986 “‘Music for Prague’: Karel Husa: Putting His Convictions to Music”.)
Now, fifty years after the events that inspired his response, Husa’s words remain as timely as ever. Human rights, equality, government, education, the environment, healthcare, and so much more are fights we as global citizens must keep fighting for. One must not forget that sometimes the most necessary battles are the ones presented in the smallest packages.
This piece runs the gamut of hope/anxiety, seriousness/mockery, and tragedy/comedy with a musical language only the time and place of its composition could provide. As the seniors of the Newark Academy Wind Ensemble chose the theme of resistance/rebellion for this commission their instruments (alto and baritone saxophone, trumpet, and percussion) have vital roles in the dramaturgy of the piece.
To Sam, Ezra, Thomas, and Benjy: as you move to the next chapter in your lives remember the opportunities you have been provided and use your experiences wisely for the benefit of those around you. No, we cannot always paint flowers...but we must remember why we fight for the opportunities to do so.
- Matthew Nunes
January 17th – February 1st, 2018
Windsor, Connecticut
