A Love Letter
Ernesto P. Pellegrini
About this work:
Immediately after the September 11, 2001 attack many different responses were made through the media. There were also churches, newspapers, and discussion groups, which gave expression to feelings of outrage, deep sorrow and utter desolation. The outcome of all of these has affected us in some manner. This particular text was sent to the composer by a relative. She had attended a church service the Sunday following September 11 at which her pastor Susan J. Morrison had delivered this eloquent homily ("A Love Letter to Jesus"). The original inspired text was written entirely in the first person, as if God were delivering it to a grief-stricken humanity personally. Completely taken by the text, the composer decided to set it to music and to employ a chorus in addition to a baritone soloist who represents God. Some of the text has been given to the chorus which comments upon God's consoling words to humanity. The composer has edited the text because of its length and also in order to broaden the intent of the text, giving it a universality or inclusiveness to all religions. Permission to do so was granted by the author.
The text is formatted in the form of a poem, written in stanzas of various lengths. Some are interpreted as dialogues between God and the people, but most are individual settings given either to the soloist or the chorus. A recurring emphatic theme exists throughout and can be found at the end of each stanza: God (the baritone) as He repeats the words "I do so love you." This, in musical terms, becomes a leitmotif of the work. From a programmatic point of view, the crashing of the four jets and the collapse of the World Trade Center uildings are portrayed with particular sonorities and rhythmical premises. Since the events just described took place at different times, this is reflected in their placement in the work. The last stanza is the only one which is repeated, first by the soloist and then followed by the chorus, initiating the climax of the work which includes the quotation of Gerald May: "Relinquish everything to make room for my love."
The work is scored for a large orchestra which includes an organ (which can be omitted if not available). The addition of the organ complements the religiosity of the text and its meaning as well as enhances the dramatic character of the magnitude of this historical moment.
Permission for the use of the text has been granted by the writer.
Year composed: 2002
Duration: 00:35:00
Ensemble type: Orchestra:Orchestra with Soloist(s)
Instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 2 Flute, 2 Oboe, 1 English Horn, 1 Eb Clarinet, 2 Clarinet, 1 Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon, 1 Contrabassoon, 4 Horn in F, 3 Trumpet, 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Percussion (General), 1 Celesta, 1 Organ, 1 Strings (General), 1 Harp, ,1 Baritone soloist(s), 1 SS, 1 AA, 1 TT, 1 BB