THIS IS A WAY

A theme written for one of my all-time favorite mystery series...America's favorite detectives: The Hardy Boys.

THE HARDY BOYS | MAIN THEME

I composed and performed this for the final assignment of Berklee's Electronic Music Performance Techniques course on Coursera.

I chose to call this Quest because despite trying to follow my heart to navigate through life, still it often seems to lead me astray. I try to be honest to myself and follow my intuitions to choose what I think is the right and best path, but then actions by agencies out of my control create apparently insurmountable blocks. I wonder how I can get pushed so far off course by simply being true to myself.  It's almost as if life is teaching me I should not go where I think I want to go.

In the image, no path exists to the other side of the lake, at least not directly. My heart tells me I want to reach the other side.  But when I find upon reaching the end of the existing path no way forward, what do I do? Keep following it to see where it actually leads, hoping it will eventually get me there or somewhere else?  Or make my own path, which may require me to get wet or find or build a boat?

So, I'm discovering I'm on an endless quest to where I really don't know.

Quest

My Country 'Tis Of Thee - Piano

Music by James Watson, Performed by Daniel Seymour.

Solo For Violin - I

This piece was originally derived from a prayer that echoed in my head the night of the terrorist attacks on Paris, France in November 2015. It's former subtitle, in parenthesis, "for the victims of Paris" stayed for a long time leading up to it's premiere in April.  Gradually, I came to realize that it wasn't just meant to be a prayer for Paris alone, but for all families, friends, and anyone who has ever, in their life, experienced such tremendous loss.  It is not my intention to impose any one idea or belief on anyone, but simply to provide some level of comfort and hope to both performer and listener alike in times of fear and uncertainty.  

If you're interested in purchasing the sheet music for this piece for your university or professional choir, please follow this link.  Thank you!  http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/threnody-digital-sheet-music/20453824

Threnody

James Watson - Composer