Bridges to Span Adversity
For Harpsichord
By Samuel Adler

Item Number: PR.110406870

Composed in two movements: the first, warm and soothing; the second, rhythmic and sprightly. For studios, colleges, conservatories, professionals. Difficult.
In September of 1989, we were all saddened by the tragic death of Jan DeGaetani.  It affected me deeply because we had been close friends; she had premiered my “Symphony No. 5” as well as my “String Quartet No.6” and of course was my wonderful colleague on the faculty of the Eastman School.  Jan’s life was an inspiration.  She was a great artist and a most inspiring and courageous person.  There was nothing maudlin or depressing about her even when she fought desperately for life during the last few months before her death.  As we all mourned her premature passing, I was moved to write this short work which is hoped will reflect her courage, her strength, and her beauty as a person and an artist.The six-minute work is divided into two contrasting sections.  A slow beginning gives way to a vivacious second part, which is to reaffirm her life – that of optimism and industry, a true inspiration for all who knew her.—Samuel Adler.