Twin Stars: Diamond Variations for Dae'Anna (2021)
Libretto by Marc Bamuthi Joseph
Music by Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR)

Instrumentation: Mezzo-Soprano, Tenor, Piano, and String Quartet (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello)
Length: 26 mins
PDF Study Score Price: $60 (score only, for study purposes)
PDF Score + Parts Price: $120+ (Vocalists and Pianist read the Score, Strings read their individual Parts)

This work was commissioned by The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, Melvin Chen, Artistic Director and pianist for this premiere performance. PDF study score will be delivered a few minutes after making payment.

COMPOSER’S NOTE:
Twin Stars: Diamond Variations for Dae'Anna is a musical response to a an American tragedy and another Black American death. My brother Marc Bamuthi Joseph has found a way to look at the moment from the stars — the heavens — and in this, he elevated me above the fray, past the anger and rage, and into a space of healing and promise and empathy — most of all for Dae'Anna, who is nine years old now.

The music is a series of 'arias' and 'variations'. I tried to express the shock and horror and sadness, but also that warm, spiritual embrace when, as a parent, all you ever want to do is comfort your child. I would like to think that even in that space of death, as Philando's soul was leaving his body, he found a way to his family, to his daughter, and whispered into her ear, "It's a miracle isn't it little girl we've been here before...Around in circles...look little girl...The stars are in Gemini and we're just like them...I'm right here with you...I'm right here with you..."

I hope you find something in this moment and music to keep you safe and starry-eyed, looking up at the moon and stars.
-DBR

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