for solo piano

Commissioned by/Premiere

Kari Dajani, Norwegian professional pianist (July 24, 2024)

Duration

ca. 4:45 minutes

Score

Note

“Rubble of Houses”

“Rubble of Houses” is a deeply personal and evocative composition that channels the profound sense of loss and desolation experienced while witnessing the destruction of homes in Gaza City. Utilizing the serial music style, this piece transcends traditional harmonic boundaries, reflecting the shattered reality of a war-torn landscape through a meticulously crafted 12-tonerow.

In this composition, I sought to embody the very essence of the broken and abandoned structures. The dissonant intervals and atonal melodies serve as a poignant metaphor for the chaotic and fragmented remnants of once vibrant neighborhoods. The stark contrasts and abrupt transitions within the piece mirror the abrupt disruption of daily life and the unsettling
quiet that follows such devastation.

As you listen, you may discern a narrative woven into the music—a narrative of sorrow, resilience, and the silent screams of the destroyed homes. Each tone in the series represents a fragment of memory, a cry for what once was, and a longing for peace. The sparse textures and haunting melodies evoke the emptiness and despair left in the wake of destruction, while the
occasional consonant harmonies hint at the lingering hope and the enduring spirit of the
people of Gaza.

“Rubble of Houses” is not just a musical expression; it is a tribute to my hometown, a lament for its lost beauty, and a testament to the enduring human spirit amidst adversity. Through this piece, I invite the listener to reflect on the impact of conflict, to hear the voices of the ruins, and to remember the streets of Gaza that still live on in memory and music.