Rise

For me, one of the most exciting moments in any narrative arc is the comeback of the protagonist. It is encouraging to remember in all of our stories that while failure is often much more certain than success, what is remembered is how we respond to adverse circumstances. RISE begins with some remorseful reflection, but quickly and confidently launches into a surging storm of excitement and celebration. It is a highly virtuosic piece that I wrote specifically for Drs. McAllister and Ames, knowing in full confidence that they always ‘rise’ to any musical challenge!

Commissioned and Performed by: Timothy McAllister, saxophone, and Liz Ames, piano