love suite

love suite

a collection of four songs and the variations inspired by them. these songs were written as research on ethics, values and spirituality at the andrews university leadership program. the music examines personal past, present and future experiences in relationships with the human and the divine.  as noted in the reflection paper submitted to the faculty of the leadership program: “From the past, it draws on the influences of learning to lead and to love in intersecting cultures that simultaneously operationalize freedom, rigid orthodoxy and oppression. For the present, it is a reflection of our current position as a kind of high flyer whose leadership wings have been clipped to facilitate growth through intensive engagement in academic enterprise. In that grounding we are finding it necessary to re-examine and re-order our priorities, especially concerning family and other relationships connected to our leadership. Such re-examination and re-ordering are, for us, moral obligations. Looking forward, the music has an openness and flexibility that will be required for us to lead effectively in the future.”

most importantly, we are called to love. this music explores that love for people regardless of their background or ethics or values. the songs, their variations and a spontaneous shout range in form and style from traditional modern to uncategorized abstractions. it is possible to think of the songs in ways that we might reflect on or assess ethics and values – some might seem perfectly reasonable, while others strike us as positively absurd. in any case, it is our hope to always keep love, at least, in sight, if not in practice, as our guide. ultimately, this offering is more than an academic exercise – it is our prayer, that your days might be filled with harmony, joy, peace and love.

to G-d be all praise, honor and glory.

harmony
everlasting gospel
love
love variation #1
love variation #2
love variation #3
the power of your love
shout