"Garden, ashes" was composed in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war: a conflict which has led to the destruction of the homes of hundreds of thousands of civilians, displacing them geographically and potentially causing long-lasting emotional trauma.
The piece is based entirely on material from Chopin's Ballade No.2 Op.38: a work dealing in itself with themes of loss, via the gradual collapse of an initial pastoral musical scene. Fragments of Chopin's work are used to create a musical "ground-zero", from which shards of light- promises of hope and restoration, occasionally shine out of the darkness. At other times- the same fragments are used to construct nightmarish labyrinths: allowing no escape or relief from a state of total despondency.
This juxtaposition allows us to reflect on whether it is possible to maintain a sense of security and safety when the conditions upholding these ideals have been shattered and irretrievably lost.
The thematic connection between Chopin's Ballade and "Garden, ashes" is conveyed most effectively by playing them consecutively, starting with Chopin and continuing with the latter. This ordering allows one to perceive the two as a single, unified musical gesture, resonating closely-linked ideas from the viewpoint of fundamentally different musical languages.
"Garden, ashes" is dedicated to anyone who has ever lost a home, or found themselves unable to return to one, with the hope that this painful situation could one day be overcome.

Medley: Ballade No.2 Op.38 (Chopin) - Garden, ashes (Akov)

Text: David Avidan
Accordion and Voice: Ido Akov

Medley: Ballade No.2 Op.38 (Chopin) - Garden, ashes (Akov)

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