Resilience

From Joshua 1:9: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." "Resilience" is a musical painting of the journey of life, and of a resilient soul. We hear the serenity of sure comfort at the beginning, and then a melody appears--it emanates peacefulness, but also challenge. Major seventh and minor seventh chords are used back-to-back to portray the juxtaposition of light and darkness. When the minor chords take over and the melody begins to fall, a contemplative, tearful section begins, only to be interrupted by a confident rhythm. The 11/8 time signature conveys unsteadiness, but as it continues and grows, it becomes steady and powerful. Finally, the main theme returns in exuberance--the true form of a resilient spirit. As the music comes to a close, the final chord is a major seventh, not minor--good has triumphed over evil--and the notes float up heavenward to the final resting place--it is finished; having persevered, the soul has earned its peaceful rest.