G. F. 8'46"

The murder of George Floyd, under the knee of a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25, 2020, set off a nationwide reaction. There were protests, both peaceful and violent, prayers, vigils, and calls for prosecutions. Many sought solace in music, as so often happens in moments of national tragedy. This work, composed in response shortly after the event, reflects in unremitting sadness the pain felt by so many at the time. Its persistent use of the notes G and F and the specific duration of 8'46" pay tribute to details that should never be forgotten. Its final note, unresolved, seems to call out, "Never again!" The work was premiered in 2021, Tacoma, Washington, by the Pacific Lutheran University Symphony Orchestra Strings, Jeffrey Bell-Hanson conducting.