Choose Kindness

Description

Inspired by the heartfelt quote, “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind,” “Choose Kindness” is a stunningly emotive piece for the full orchestra. With its grand musical build-ups and intricate motivic development, this composition seamlessly transitions from a slow, introspective introduction into an emotionally powerful climax. Composer Tyler Arcari brings us a truly beautiful work for the full orchestra.

Program Notes

When I was asked to write this work, a lot was happening in my life that seemed, at least in my mind, somewhat related. I had just returned from traveling to Canada, where I moved my grandma. My grandfather passed away one year ago from the day we moved her into her new apartment. She and my grandfather grew up in Quebec and immigrated to America, where they became U.S. citizens before having my mom. My grandmother, who speaks good English, albeit broken, was now somewhat stranded in America—1,200 miles from immediate family and separated by an international border from her French-speaking relatives (which, at 85, is a dwindling list).

We were lucky enough to move her up—finally—but it is bittersweet for us as we are now further away. However, seeing her light up, being able to see old friends, make new ones, and have a reprieve from the lonely grief of being without the person whom she was with for over 60 years of marriage was a kindness and a blessing.

During the lead-up to this ordeal and throughout, I was inspired by the commissioning school’s use of this quote: “When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind.” Not only did that describe the vibe of moving my 85-year-old grandma to a foreign country, where we cannot reach her quickly if something goes wrong, but whether that was right or not, we do not know. Yet, we chose kindness, and so I settled on that for the title because, at the end of the day, it seemed to be the most important thing: choose kindness.

I had the opportunity to travel up to my grandfather’s land in Quebec as a kid for summers and spend time in the frontier of mountains and valleys, clean air, and beautiful scenery. I wanted to capture the frontier of Texas (inspired by similar beauty in Canada) and give you a flowing, old Western feel.

I hope that you are met with kindness in this life, and, when you are able, choose it as well in kind.

—Tyler Arcari