Of Questions and Answers

Ralph Hultgren

Program Notes
Ralph Hultgren says:

Though the title may suggest otherwise, Of Questions and Answers is not a programmatic work. The title does, none the less, reflect the nature of the time the work was being completed.

My compositional process is such that I tease out the concepts and ideas for a piece in my mind for some time before even beginning to sketch. Then, when I write, I finalise the sketch, then the full score reasonably quickly. Maybe a month of sketching and fiddling on paper with ideas... maybe a week. Scoring takes only days... long days! I can't leave the work alone.

During the final phase of sketching and scoring of Of Questions and Answers a young colleague came to my to discuss various scenarios that had developed with regard to her teaching and conducting. She has questions and hoped I had the answers. I knew the answers were in her, in her musicianship, her skill and her commitment to her ensemble. The end result of her project was outstanding.

It was during this time she discussed more fully with me her Christian faith. She has spoken of her belief before, aware that, at one time, I had seriously contemplated the ministry and knowing me to be a backslider of some substance! She has more questions

and wondered at the answers I would give.

There have been those who have touched by heart (my soul?) with their love and concern for what they believe is my eternal well being. While giving vent to those forces that drove the creation of this work, I am sure that some of those eternal questions and answers were consciously and subconsciously at work. The piece seems to have an interesting narrative attached to it, especially being absolute and not program music.

For all those close to me who question, then wonder and hope at the answers I may have, I dedicate this work. To Bruce and Dee particularly, and to Joanna especially.

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