THE MUSIC

by the composer

Hope was very much a watchword throughout Safi’s battle with cancer. This beautiful poem about hope by Emily Dickinson was the perfect fit for a setting for 8-part unaccompanied upper voices about our family's own "little bird". Composing this piece for her was a way of bringing together the hope expressed in the poem and the hope for her recovery. It was also a way to pay tribute to her amazing bravery throughout all she had to face.

The aim was also to capture the idea in the poem, that something or someone (like Safi) like could be very fragile yet strong and resilient at the same time.

As a result, the vocal score aims to be gentle and tender yet also has moments of greater intensity. The verses are more lightly scored, with the chorus of the piece growing into a stronger resistance-like refrain. The ending builds to a strong finish, reminding us of the power of hope and music to sustain us amidst life’s toughest challenges.

Losing Safi, and the shining light that she was for our family has been absolutely devastating. However, the fact that the piece is now spreading its wings and inspiring people is a comfort and a ray of light during such a painful time. It is a privilege to be able to honour my beloved niece through my music in this way.