Who By Water (2004) 18'

Instrumentation: 0+pic.1.2.1/1110/3perc(cymbal,bass drum,maracas,tamb)/egtr.kbd/2vn.vc.db

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Commissioner: Elaine Kaufman Cultural Center

First Performer: Alarm Will Sound, Alan Pierson, conductor, Merkin Concert Hall, New York, May 9, 2004

Special Features: Film by Bill Morrison

Program note:

Who By Water is inspired by a prayer from the Rosh Hashanah liturgy, the service marking the Jewish New Year. The prayer opens as follows: On Rosh Hashanah their destiny is inscribed, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, how many shall pass away and how many shall be brought into existence; who shall live and who shall die; who shall come to a timely end, and who to an untimely end; who shall perish by fire and who by water. Bill Morrison's accompanying film features distressed black-and-white images of people on the great old ships that crossed the sea before airplanes became the popular mode of travel.

—Michael Gordon

Who By Water was commissioned by the Elaine Kaufman Cultural Center.