Us, We, Them – It is Always Somebody Else

Description

Us, We, Them – It is Always Somebody Else expresses the frustration many feel with the changes in society that seek to negate personal responsibility. In the composers perspective, we all have an obligation  to one another to be responsible for our own actions and inaction. We are responsible to ourselves, each other, and the planet.  The challenges facing the nation are musically represented by the discord of 7/4 meter, syncopation within the shifting 4+3 and 3+4 groupings, and the dissonant harmonies explored. The work opens argumentatively with child-like taunts.  The aggressiveness and uncertainty of this music gives way to a section that is hymn-like, calling us to remember the sacredness of our country and that we have more in common than we do differences.  Following the hymn-like section, there is dramatic shift to a rhythmically driving portion of the piece which represents the serious work we must do to heal our divisions.  The hymn returns, this time with a new and uplifting counterpoint.  The return of the opening argument serves to remind us to be vigilant so that we come together and remain strong.