THE SUBJECT
The events of September 11th 2001 changed the World.
The scale of the loss had an impact far beyond the city that was so violently assaulted that day. It hurt everyone, and the repercussions have led to war and atrocity and uncertainty time after time.
After visiting New York, composer of the work Stuart Stevens was moved to try to make sense of the events and find some purpose in the lives lost then and since. Seeing the lines of rubble trucks was a devastating experience, as they snaked their way loaded with tonne after tonne of broken futures. But seeing and meeting a people recovered engendered a new hope, which, combined with Stuart's beliefs and optimism that human beings CAN live together and CAN make it work, became the basis of a piece of music which strives to sum up the universality of human loss and grief, and suggests an alternative, hopeful outcome, if we just listen to those who refuse to be cynical about life!
"People of the city of New York - you gave us hope where we could not expect to find it and reminded me of where my hope comes from - thanks for opening my heart - Stuart"
THE MUSIC
The piece is 40 minutes long, in four movements, and is scored for concert orchestra with harp, mixed voice choir and rock band (who interject as The Tourist!).
The libretto (aside from the three rock band sections) is derived from the Libera Me section of the latin requiem mass, Psalms and the book of Revelation. The journey is one through the events of 911 and the descent into war - making a parallel with the betrayal, humiliation and then death and descent to hell depicted in the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. We arrive at "a mother's lament for her son", depicted as the funeral of every soldier on ALL sides, official or unofficial, whose life has been sacrificed since. On and on since the first recorded murder, when Cain killed his own brother - "you hurt your own family!"
This is where we are now in history - yet the mother sings through her tears of hope, and in the final movement there is a new day, new sun, and a new view. The tourist sees this hope (driven still by the pain of loss) and the whole mood changes as all the themes re-combine into one glorious climactic moment - a vision of what we could acheive - The City of Everlasting Peace.
"They will not train for war anymore."
THE FUTURE
The piece received its first public performance, performed by Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Notorious (choir) and "The Requiem Band" in Birmingham's Adrian Boult Hall 16th September 2007. This was an "open rehearsal" as part of the city's Artsfest 2007. It was extremely well received by all - players and audience alike. Several people were moved to tears by the sentiments expressed. The recordings are on the player, and you can watch the whole video of the event by following "my videos" link.
Now the aim is to perform the work in the city it honours, and we are seeking an orchestra in New York or surrounding area prepared to work with us in that venture. Cannes exhibitor and award-winning animator/painter/film-maker Praveen Chrispugg is designing ground-breaking visuals to accompany the work which would allow an outdoor performance on an extremely large scale - the dream is to give a free performance in association with memorial events taking place in the future to the people of New York.
Requiem For New York - Live Rehearsal, Birmingham, Sept 2007
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THE COMPOSER
The fact that seems a riduculous label sums up Stuart Stevens' view of himself. Writer would be better, because he is a quarter owner of a critically acclaimed set of songs by Psychemodo too. Formal musical training ceased at 16 with good grades O-level music, Grade 5 piano, cornet, theory, and music continued with the only instrument he can really play at all, the electric guitar. Science and healthcare to bring in money, but no real love of it! Headfuls of music have finally manifested in this venture. He has loved orchestras all his life, and at 8 was recognised at school as having a potential gift of composition. No longer neglected. Stuart is just going to carry on writing.
