A Luta Interna (Internal Struggle), Op. 77, for Brass Trio

Several years ago, during a motivational speech by a wheelchair-bound man, Mike Schlappi, one concept stuck with me and has guided me through many difficult times. Someone asked him if he ever "got down," and had a bad day. "Yes," he replied without hesitating. Then he lowered his voice with almost a stern look and replied emphatically, "But I never let a bad day turn into a bad week!" I have tried to adopt this extremely useful and wise mantra through the many and varied "internal struggles" that life mercilessly hurls. This composition came about after making friends with Amarildo Nascimento in 2017, the trumpeter in the Sao Paulo Symphony and Brass Trio. He brought up the idea of a commission for the Sao Paulo Brass Trio, and I jumped at the opportunity. A few short months after meeting Amarildo, I completed this short, difficult, symbolic trio. The introductory turbulent feel of the work intimately involves all three players. There is little respite for the nearly two and a half busy minutes of music. Much interplay throughout presents an outward expression of an internal struggle. Ultimately, the aural painting of this work intends to portray the victory of one's decision to conquer the struggle and not let a sour moment become permanent. The opening minor tonality and near cacophony of "A Luta Interna" shifts to a more pleasant theme at rehearsal letter "B"the desire to overcomewhich quickly passes through all three parts. That positivity is fought off tumultuously until "D", when the positive material returns. A hint of struggle just before "E" melts away for a singing, relieving melody; however, even this sweetness is laced with some independent rhythmic interplay and unexpected harmonies. Gradual tension rebuilds until at "G" it comes back in full force, though this time with inflections of major and a hint toward satisfying resolution. Three before "H", internal struggle climaxes loudly before being completely overcome by boldness and resolute action at "H". Note that the motifs of the struggle (dotted eighth, sixteenth, long note) compose the same material that terminates the piece in triumph and glory, especially starting five after "H". What may be perceived as a weakness or trial invariably makes one stronger when overcome. Because the trumpet part is high in range and demanding in technique, an alternate part for trumpet in D is included. This piece, "A Luta Interna" or "Internal Struggle" is dedicated to the three fabulous musicians of the Sao Paulo Brass Trio: my good friend Amarildo Nascimento on trumpet, Vitor Ferreira on horn, and Carlos Freitas on trombone.