From Erick Von Sas— On December 31st, 2022 I wrote this poem:

Luca

The Bringer of Light

From the East

On the bright Spring Son

He bears his lamp

With open palm

Welcome and warm

Like the setting sun of Sicily

In a house 

of sacred wood

He watches his world

Take Flight

At the time, my wife was pregnant with our first child, and we held hopes for an early April birthday. Alas, my life continues to revolve around Pisces and Luca Harry Von Sas was born March 18th, avoiding the Italian purgatory of a St. Patrick’s Day birthday. As young parents, we didn’t know the depth of emotion and joy that we would share together over the next nine months (upon the writing of these program notes), but Luca, much like all small children, is incredible. 

Danielle has captured the spirit of my poem and our beautiful babe in this uplifting and spirited fanfare. You can hear the play of the waves early on in the piece (a la Debussy) as we soar low over the sea. A bright fanfare eventually breaks through as the sun crests the ocean, and we hear the jubilant sounds of light in all colors. In the middle section, we hear a wondrous lullaby full of complex timbres and curious resolutions. Danielle manages to capture Luca’s inquisitive spirit, broad smile, and easy giggle as we transition from sleep to activity in the recapitulation. Challenging harmonies greet us at the close, but they are not without resolution. “With open palm” the Feather drifts along and we race to the end as the sun sets on a brilliant spring day. The sound of the drum insists that there is more to life’s great adventure even as night falls.

-Erick Von Sas

Linthicum Heights, MD

December 2023