Stories of Sorrow and Strength: A Suite in Two Movements
I. Elegy for the People of Tomorrow (00:00)*
II. Fight for Our Soul (04:04)*
*Timecode corresponds with audio recording above.
Audio: Computer realization, Ravel Virtual Studios.
Category: Orchestra, Large Ensemble
Year Composed: 2022
Instrumentation: French horn, timpani, 1 percussionist, and string orchestra
I. String orchestra
II. French horn, timpani, gong, tenor drum, bass drum, and string orchestra
Duration: 8 minutes
Program Note
Commission: Dr. David J. Proctor, Distinguished Senior Lecturer of History and Classical Studies, Tufts University.
Premiere: ROCO - Houston Chamber Orchestra. American Composers Orchestra EarShot Readings with ROCO. Kinder HSPVA Theatre (Houston, TX) – 2024.
Additional Performances: President’s Phi Beta Kappa Ceremony. Tufts University (Medford, MA) – 2023; Live lectures Europe to 1815; The Byzantines and Their World; Empresses, Saints, & Scholars: The Women of Byzantium; Passion, Power & Piety: The Voices of Byzantium. Tufts University, Department of History – 2023-27.
Awards: American Composers Orchestra EarShot, ROCO, Winner / Selected Composer (2023); Masterclass with Derek Bermel, Berklee College of Music, Selected Composer (2024).
Press Releases: American Composers Orchestra Announces Selections for National Earshot Readings & Residencies, Interview with Houston Public Media.
Jennifer Higdon mentoring Stella as she works with ROCO – Houston Chamber Orchestra, on Stories of Sorrow and Strength.
Stories of Sorrow and Strength: A Suite in Two Movements addresses two defining moments in the history of the Byzantine Empire: the Fourth Crusade, and the siege and fall of Constantinople. Between 1202 and 1204, Western knights attacked and pillaged the city and habitants of Constantinople in a bloody attempt to suppress followers of the Eastern Orthodox Church; on May 28, 1453, Constantine XI Palaiologos rallied and united his soldiers in his last-documented speech, preparing them for what would be their final battle, ultimately leading to their defeat and to the demise of the Empire.
While it is easy to consider these events as tales of antiquity, similar struggles, conflicts, and tensions are still prevalent today. The feelings of fear, suffering, pain, and grief are universal. The ability to find strength and to persevere in the face of hardship gives us hope.
For an extended version of the program note, please click here.
Stories of Sorrow and Strength: A Suite in Two Movements
I. Elegy for the People of Tomorrow (00:00)*
II. Fight for Our Soul (04:04)*
*Timecode corresponds with audio recording above.
Audio: Computer realization, Ravel Virtual Studios.
Category: Orchestra, Large Ensemble
Year Composed: 2022
Instrumentation: French Horn, Timpani, 1 Percussionist, and String Orchestra
I. String Orchestra
II. French Horn, Timpani, Gong, Tenor Drum, Bass Drum, and String Orchestra
Duration: 8 minutes
Commission: Dr. David J. Proctor, Distinguished Senior Lecturer of History and Classical Studies, Tufts University.
Premiere: ROCO - Houston Chamber Orchestra. American Composers Orchestra EarShot Readings with ROCO. Kinder HSPVA Theatre (Houston, TX) – 2024.
Additional Performances: President’s Phi Beta Kappa Ceremony. Tufts University (Medford, MA) – 2023; Live lectures Europe to 1815; The Byzantines and Their World; Empresses, Saints, & Scholars: The Women of Byzantium; Passion, Power & Piety: The Voices of Byzantium. Tufts University, Department of History – 2023-27.
Awards: American Composers Orchestra EarShot, ROCO, Winner / Selected Composer (2023); Masterclass with Derek Bermel, Berklee College of Music, Selected Composer (2024).
Press Releases: American Composers Orchestra Announces Selections for National Earshot Readings & Residencies, Interview with Houston Public Media.
Program Note
Stories of Sorrow and Strength: A Suite in Two Movements addresses two defining moments in the history of the Byzantine Empire: the Fourth Crusade, and the siege and fall of Constantinople. Between 1202 and 1204, Western knights attacked and pillaged the city and habitants of Constantinople in a bloody attempt to suppress followers of the Eastern Orthodox Church; on May 28, 1453, Constantine XI Palaiologos rallied and united his soldiers in his last-documented speech, preparing them for what would be their final battle, ultimately leading to their defeat and to the demise of the Empire. While it is easy to consider these events as tales of antiquity, similar struggles, conflicts, and tensions are still prevalent today. The feelings of fear, suffering, pain, and grief are universal. The ability to find strength and to persevere in the face of hardship gives us hope.
For an extended version of the program note, please click here.
Jennifer Higdon mentoring Stella as she works with ROCO – Houston Chamber Orchestra, on Stories of Sorrow and Strength.