Issa

"Issa," was written as a farewell present for Ms. Kennedy"s roommate and friend, hornist Melissa (Issa) Byars. It was premiered at her senior French horn recital at the University of Oklahoma. The tune and harmonic language of the piece were inspired by music Melissa often listened to in their home in the mornings, which included a variety of modern hymns and contemporary Christian musical styles. The resulting piece is a sensitive, lyrical trio which features and gracefully blends the voices of the horn, violin and piano.