Crossway (2024)
Technical Information:
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1 1 1 1 s.sax t.sax – 1 1 1 0 – 0+1 – synth – 1 1 1 1 1
Duration: 9'​
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Commissioned by Dogs of Desire​
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Premiered on June 7th, 2024, EMPAC Theatre, NY by Dogs of Desire with David Alan Miller​​
Program Note:
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Crossway was created in collaboration with my dear brother Justin Son, commissioned by the Albany Symphony in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. This historic waterway, connecting the Hudson River and Lake Erie, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of its creators. Its impact on American history cannot be overstated, as it revolutionized transportation across the Appalachians, catalyzing the settlement of the Great Lakes region and propelling the economic ascent of New York State. Dubbed "The Nation's First Superhighway," it served as a conduit for the westward expansion of the United States.
Justin and I delved into the history and significance of the canal, engaging in discussions that gradually transformed the project's focus. Our exploration led us to reflect on the fluidity of water itself—how it converges and diverges, never following a predictable path. This fluidity mirrored the flow of relationships in our lives. People enter and exit, emotions swell and recede, much like the currents coursing through the canal. While the canal birthed new connections and opportunities, it also marked the end of journeys and the bittersweet farewells that accompany them.
Inspired by our conversations and personal experiences, Justin created a poignant poem that encapsulated the essence of our collaboration and the broader themes of transience and interconnectedness. Crossway emerged as a deeply personal and intimate work, reflecting not only our artistic vision but also our shared journey as individuals navigating the ever-changing currents of life.
Crossway by Justin Son
Having found you here,
where a deep gash runs
along the earth and when we speak
our voices travel
to the other side
and become words with life.
Having found you here
where I lull into
sleep my busy mouth to hear you.
Our voices raining
shy on our summer skin.
This morning there is no fog
on the water
There is only the clear honest
breath of living things. We are
at a crossway,
where words are soft
fruit picked from
prickly bushes, warm
on our tongues from the summer air
and you and me
but a gentle ripple off
an oar that fuels
this slow moving boat.
Think of me and we will meet
at this crossway.