Tell es-Sakan

Motivated by the current war in Gaza, Tell es-Sakan (Hill of Ash) is a protest, pacifist piece, named after one of the oldest known settlements in the area, dated to 3500 B.C.E. A program piece written for string quartet and percussion, it follows on one side a couple that meets, falls in love, vows trust to each other, and on the other the War Machine, an ominous presence that eventually takes over in a fury of destruction. The music is multifaceted, divided into nine movements, some of which are exuberant and joyful, and some of which are strident, strange, and violent. It comes from a place of sorrow and yearning for a better human future.

Played by the Friction String Quartet, and Haruka Fuji and Anne Szabla, percussion.

Host or Publisher Davide Verotta