Trio In Memoriam David Macbride (2018)

Instrumentation: Piano Trio

Duration: 13:00

Publisher: Just A Theory Press

Performances:

Ensemble Signal
June in Buffalo 2020

Program Notes:

David Macbride was one of the kindest, most generous, and most genuine people I have ever known. During my time at The Hartt School David was an important figure for me: A wonderful teacher and mentor, a free spirit, friend, and eventually a colleague. One of my greatest regrets is that I never studied with him privately, although his Music Since 1950 course is one of the best courses I have ever taken.

In my second year I had the opportunity to be his TA for one semester with Hartt's Composer's Ensemble. Nowhere else was his genuine personality and love of adventure on full display. This was where I really got to know David, and where I came to appreciate and love his eccentricities. During my dissertation defense it was David's kind words and genuine appreciate for my work that sticks with me. After graduation he was the first to insist we be on first-name-basis. He was kind, gentle, and genuine; rare traits anymore.

I'm ashamed to say that after leaving Connecticut I did not stay in touch as well as I would have liked, only a few posts on social media every so often. Still, his passing shook me to my core. Not a day goes by where I don't think on him fondly, and wonder what music he still had to give us. I am constantly reflecting on the things he taught me, not only as a musician, but as a human.

David passed while I was already knee deep in composing this piece. After his passing I reworked many passages as my grief got the better of me. It doesn't really reflect the music I associate with him, but it does, in many ways, reflect my mindset as I wrote it. Pangs of pure grief give way to a cynical waltz which in turn finds acceptance in a meditative final section.

David left us suddenly, and no one, so far as I know, was able to say goodbye. So let this piece be my farewell:

Goodbye David, we miss you.