3 pieces by American Composers - see note

1) John Cage, "The Unanswered Question"
It was a confusing day, with so many unanswered questions. Words were insufficient and I listed to this piece. For me, this music painted images of the search for survivors amid the twisted metal and debris and it asked questions that went unanswered.

2) Samuel Barber, "Adagio for Strings"
To me, the opening is like a big, heavy, sigh -- like the heaviness and helplessness felt on 9/11. Gradually, though, the music "gets up" and cries out -- I don't have words for those internal feelings, but I could identify with the the building dissonance and ultimate resolution expressed in this music.

3) Mark Miller, "Before Too Long"
This choral work is based on a poem written by a child while in a concentration camp. The message expressed is relevant and provides a hopeful message for the future. If we work together, perhaps we can reach this goal of a more peaceful world "before too long."

Kris