Catharsis, Op. 38 (2011)

Program Notes:

"Catharsis" is a purification of the emotions, primarily through art. Unlike my previous works, This piece is meant to draw the listener through an emotional as well as musical arc.

I realised the necessity of this emotional component after the funeral of Mark Kane Culotta. He was the father of one of my good friends, who succumbed to cancer while still far too young in this world. His three daughters played at the funeral service, and it was truly some of the most beautiful music I had ever heard. Mark himself was an avid pianist and violinist. I still recall when I was playing some of "Pictures at an Exhibition" at a mutual friend's house. He told me that I should learn the whole thing. And I did - but not in time for him to hear. I feel that a piece of music is a fitting tribute to this man and musician and hope, wherever his consciousness may now reside, that he appreciates it.