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Nina (2011)

Instrumentation: solo piano
Duration: 12'
Commission: York College of Pennsylvania
Premiere: Gretchen Dekker and Kenneth Osowski, York College Of Pennsylvanie,
York, PA (October 2011)

I. Tombeau
II. See-Line Woman
III. Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair

Nina is my tribute to the great singer, songwriter, pianist and civil rights activist Nina Simone (1933-2003). The piece begins with a tombeau in memory of Simone, followed by my own versions of two traditional folk songs that she recorded. Sharing a personal interpretation of this music is my way of invoking and honoring “The High Priestess of Soul.”

Nina was commissioned by York College of Pennsylvania to mark the dedication of its new Steinway. The work is warmly dedicated to the two pianists who premiered it: Gretchen Dekker, and my longtime friend Ken Osowski.