Memory Leaf: Blood, Soil, Prosperity

Composer's Note:

Composed as a gesture of solidarity and gratitude for Lisa Fenn, Director of DEI Programming at Tufts University, on the occasion of the Juneteenth Ceremony she co-created and directed in 2022, this piano miniature is meant to serve as a kernel for reflection.

“Memory Leaf” is a ‘term’ I’ve coined, redolent of monikers for short keyboard pieces like ‘album page’ (feuille d’album), ‘recollection’, or ‘souvenir’, yet indicative of something deeper. Additionally suggested by the August 2021 ACA publication of T.J. Anderson, Jr.’s Memory Book (a collection of in memoriam compositions), Memory Leaf: Blood, Soil, Prosperity humbly ponders the meaning symbolized by the colors (red, black, green) of the Pan-African flag. It is warmly and respectfully dedicated to Lisa.