...when language fails

Evan Sercombe

60 views

Chorus

2024

8 min.

Alto

Bass

Piano

Soprano

Tenor

Program Notes: The title for “...when language fails” comes from a quote on the nature of violent conflict by the Canadian author Margaret Atwood: “War is what happens when language fails.” This piece was written in response to the 28 armed conflicts/wars going on in the world right now (as of March 2024), and informed by personal connections to some of those events. I have tried to make my personal inclination toward pacifism clear in the work, as reflected in both the previously mentioned Margaret Atwood quote and the text I selected by the wonderful American poet Sara Teasdale. When listening to or performing this piece, be reminded of the humanity in the people you oppose; no one is below understanding. This piece is dedicated to my teacher and director, Dr. Carter Smith, to each of the many members of the Interlochen Arts Academy Choir, and to my friends, who have given me a community.
Ensemble Name: Interlochen Arts Academy Choir; Cond. Dr. W. Carter Smith; Pianist Ya-Ju Chuang; Soprano soloists Remington Collins and Joanna Wilson.