A Closer Walk (2007)

1. FIRST LINE

2. SECOND LINE

(movements performed without pause)

8:00

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.

PREMIERE

Martha Walvoord, violin

French Parlor, Founders Hall

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

April 24, 2008