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Guide to Performance

Each of these short and somewhat simple piano pieces begins with a chordal progression—the chaconne—that is used in the Harmonic Études. Each piece then continues, almost uninterruptedly with that chaconne, allowing for key changes and preparation for the modulations. Each has its own personality and imagination.

The Faith of a Child

Steadfastly, the piece builds with simple variations of a simple tune and accompaniment. A child's faith is often simple and unpretentious. It is, indeed, the "substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Over a foundation of harmony that is constant through its change, the melody never questions in its pursuit of the final resolution, as with a child. This is the first composed in the series, written for my niece, Kimber.

The Hope of a Child

Hope is not always steadfast. It can waver—but it never gives up. "Hope" begins boldly, with confidence and strength, but appears to diminish as the piece progresses. It begins with strong rolled chords, but ultimately ends with simple and humbled chords with a reflection of the melody. Yet, it never abates, as with a child.

The Love of a Child

Of these three, this is the contrapuntal. It is more the complex, as is love. I have chosen to use the translation of "love" for the title because it seems to befit more closely the mind and the heart of the child. The word Charity, though, seems to encompass so much more than just love, particularly in its popular usage. Charity is love with service. It is never-ending and not a momentary act of kindness like the single twinkling of a star. It resonates in the hearts of all life with care, tenderness, and passion as well as compassion. It is actionable and selfless, and often, if not usually, best when anonymous. The melody, though always the same, continuously undergoes minor transformations. The music flows constantly, from beginning to reflective end. Sometimes it overlaps itself, joyfully, as with a child.

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Harp Chaconne

Harp Chaconne was conceived as the first part in a series of études on harmony and technique. The title may be misleading in that this is not a work necessarily for harp; rather, the title is in reference to the progression of chords that are played with arpeggios.

The chaconne is used for the "...of a Child" set.