FEBRUARY

January 20, 2025

FEBRUARY

“The day and time itself: late afternoon in early February, was there a moment of the year better suited for despair?” ― Alice McDermott

Good morning everyone,

ACROSS THE SKY

I remember playing this piece few years ago in a recital, the result wasn't as good as I'd have loved it to be; because, playing in front of a live audience is ever so intimidating, and notably uncomfortable, at least for me, therefore, things could go wrong, and oh! they did in that occasion. But as a performer, you forgive yourself, and try to forget about it.

For this piece, I chose the key of C major for its accessibility and also, for its happy character. I am presenting the final product, but not before I've made some changes in the melody line. When I wrote February, I was hoping for a fast and light piece, similar to a colorful butterfly that flaps its winds ready to take fly across the sky.

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL

Butterflies have been an inspiration for artist across the globe, from songs to paintings, to sculptures. Due to their unique transformation from caterpillars, their incomparable strength and fragility, their undoubtedly beauty, all of that combine, made the butterfly a fascinating insect, and the most familiar to all.

Nobody knows exactly how many, but there had been numerous intents to count the total species of butterflies in the world. It was shocking to me to learn that 20,000 is a number that biologists agree more or less. The work they had put into the project is monumental.

Butterflies can be found in all the continents. I could say they are adored by everyone, and if I think about it, one does not have to be an expert to fully appreciate their beauty. Their full life cycle is a whole universe. They are just simply beautiful.

LONG JOURNEY

When I see a butterfly, I get thrilled and marvel at their bright colors, I seem to smile foolishly if one flies close to my face. Even though, they are elusive insects, lepidopterists have been able to do extensive research and studies of their habitat.

For the Monarch butterfly, migration is essential for their survival, the month of February marks the beginning of a long journey from central Mexico back north to The United States, where they will spend the summer. It is a 2,700 miles trip, of which, no doubt, during this expedition, they would faced many struggles. Despite their fragile looks, they are strong and bold in their intent, their instincts and sense of navigation are superb.

FOR ALL I KNOW

But, who's better equip to write about butterflies than a poet?, They for sure, in all their wisdom and knowledge, will describe, with impressive accuracy, what most people see and feel, but unable to say it with words.

There is a poem by Pavel Friedmann, that speaks to me in a way, no others do. For all I know, he could've written it on a cold, cold February afternoon. Pavel Friedmann was a prisoner in Auschwitz when he wrote it. The tragedy of it all, makes his words resonate even to this day. Just a few lines, and he was able to discern some of the most profound human emotions; emotions like despair, contentment, hope and fear.

The last, the very last,

So richly, brightly, dazzlingly yellow.

Perhaps if the sun's tears would sing

against a white stone. . . .

Such, such a yellow

Is carried lightly 'way up high.

It went away I'm sure because it wished to

kiss the world good-bye.

For seven weeks I've lived in here,

Penned up inside this ghetto.

But I have found what I love here.

The dandelions call to me

And the white chestnut branches in the court.

Only I never saw another butterfly.

That butterfly was the last one.

Butterflies don't live in here,

in the ghetto.

HOPEFUL, ENVIOUS

The yellow butterfly roaming around in Auschwitz, minding its own business, clueless of the atrocities taking place, made Pavel hopeful, and perhaps a bit envious. Envious at the fact that the insect could fly, fly far away from the unnecessary misery, and as closed to the sun as possible. Hopeful because, one day, Friedmann wished, he could be freed to go about, just like the last butterfly he saw, before being execute.

I wanted this cello-piano duet to outline some of the characteristics of this beautiful living insect. If you are listening to this composition, think about of all the wonders the butterfly brings to the world, after all, and according to the Smithsonian Institute, it's one, if not the most appealing creatures in the natural world.