The Bells: a tribute to ukraine
Instrumentation: solo piano version; 4-hands piano version
Duration: 5 minutes
Composed: 2024
My wife, Dasha Koltunyuk, was born in Odessa and has always felt her Ukrainian heritage strongly; it has become even more pronounced since Russia invaded her sovereign homeland in 2022.
Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovich wrote a beautiful choral piece called Shchedryk, based on a traditional Ukrainian New Year celebration song; it was later adapted into a Christmas carol with English lyrics that we know as “Carol of the Bells.”
To honor the strength, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of Ukrainians — who, at the time of this writing, continue to struggle for their survival and freedom — I weaved together the themes from Shchedryk and the Ukrainian national anthem (Shche ne vmerla Ukraiyina) in this tribute to Ukraine. I composed both a 4-hands piano duet to play with Dasha and a solo piano version.
Слава Україні!
