Tupanachiskama

Program Notes

I have to admit: I really dislike program notes. I think they take away from the listening experience. And because of that, I've had a hard time writing this one. Still, I understand that some people like having a point of reference—or a preview—of what they're about to hear. The truth is, I have no way of knowing what you'll feel. You might feel scared. Or uncomfortable. Or excited, happy, sad, nostalgic, optimistic, encouraged, inspired, lonely, loved, hungry, fulfilled, cold, hot, a combination of everything… I genuinely can't predict it. And honestly, I wouldn't want to—even if I could. All I can say is that you will feel something. If you don't, then I've failed as an artist. Tupananchiskama is a Quechua word that roughly translates to “until life finds us again.” You could interpret this piece as a parting gift to my friends in the Tufts Music Department—not because I'm going somewhere far, but because my time here as an M.A. student is coming to an end. Technically, it's a piece for piano. Nothing less, nothing more.

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