A Closer Walk (2007)
1. First Line
2. Second Line
(movements performed without pause)
solo violin; ca. 9:00
Commissioned by Martha Walvoord
Premiere
April 24, 2008
Martha Walvoord, violin
French Parlor, Founders Hall
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA
Martha Walvoord, violin
Crill Auditorium, Point Loma Nazarene University
Complete Recording MP3 (9MB)
A Closer Walk is a reflection on the city of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina. The work uses the hymn "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" as its foundation. Specifically, the line "Guide me gently, safely o'er To Thy kingdom shore" is represented by the opening ascending blues scale motive, which is heard throughout the work. From this scale, scenes of New Orleans celebrations emerge, symbolized by "First Line" and "Second Line" music styles. The first movement's scene is a jazz funeral based on variations of the hymn tune. The second movement evokes scenes of Mardi Gras. This movement's effect is one of disorientation as snippets of various musical styles, from the striding basslines of Professor Longhair, to a zydeco waltz, to a Mardi Gras Indian call and response, collide. This collision gives way to a distant repeat of the hymn tune, which is answered by an even faster coda building to an unresolved climax.
Performance history
2010
March 10
Bridget Dolkas, violin
Connections Chamber Music Series
Southwestern College; Chula Vista, CA
March 7
Bridget Dolkas, violin
Connections Chamber Music Series
The Crossings at Carlsbad; Carlsbad, CA
2009
August 9
Martha Walvoord, violin
Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium
2009 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp
Hong Kong
2008
April 25
Martha Walvoord, violin
Crill Performance Hall
Point Loma Nazarene University; San Diego, CA
April 24
Martha Walvoord, violin
French Parlor, Founders Hall
University of San Diego; San Diego, CA
April 23
Martha Walvoord, violin
Composition Lecture Series,
hosted by Paul Chihara
UCLA; Los Angeles, CA
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