Program Note

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been wreaking havoc across the world, killing hundreds of thousands and infecting millions. In the U.S., we have become desensitized to the sheer volume of victims to this virus as many have downplayed its seriousness. MASS for VOICELESS NUMBERS seeks to memorialize these victims as well as vilify those that would belittle the plight of the sick and deceased. The work is divided into 5 miniature movements:

I. Introit – As in the traditional Requiem Mass setting, the Introit is a processional.  Its somber and mournful style sets an appropriate atmosphere for the lives lost.

The inner three movements (II–IV) are named and styled after quotes by American politicians that belittle or distort the value of human life.  They are all in reference to reopening the economy amid the coronavirus pandemic.  The purpose of these core movements is to contrast the more sympathetic nature of the traditional Requiem Mass settings in an attempt to highlight the offensive origins of the quotes.

II. “Our Young Men” – Governor Chris Christie: “We sent our young men during World War II over to Europe, out to the Pacific, knowing that many of them would not come home alive.”  This movement is a legitimate armed forces salute including versions of the songs for all five branches of the military in their proper order.  In doing so, I hope to remind the listener that the sacrifice made by members of the military is a unique honor.  Their sacrifice should not be used to encourage martyrdom during a global pandemic.

III. “Artificially Inflated” – Senator Scott Jensen: “The COVID-19 death rate might be artificially inflated.”  This offensive postulation manifests itself musically as a canon beginning in a single line in the cello and “inflating” to all of the instruments of the ensemble.

IV. “Older People Would Rather Die” – Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick: “Older people would rather die than let COVID-19 harm the U.S. economy.” Because this is the most absurd quote of the three, I set the quote in the most satirical way: as a western swing. As the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the movement brings to life the unnecessary social interactions of the region that would likely occur as the result of an economic reopening.

V. In paradisum – This is the traditional closing movement of the Latin Requiem Mass.  It is quiet, subdued and ethereal and is a gentle reminder to everyone to respect the dead and to value human life with sincerity.

MASS for VOICELESS NUMBERS was composed for the Rapido! Composition Contest.