Red Towers

• Main Author: Kisch, Sean
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital Commons @ Butler University 2020
• Subjects: red; towers; orchestra; slovakia; bratislava; home; Music
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/grtheses/521; https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1520&context=grtheses

Red Towers is named after Bratislava Castle in Bratislava, Slovakia. I spent the summers of 2017 and 2019 traveling to different cities in Slovakia, and since my own heritage is Slovak, I began thinking about the idea of "home." What makes a home a home? Where was home for me? Red Towers is divided into two sections. In the first section I tried to capture the feeling of excitement that comes with leaving home, exploring the unknown, and experiencing new things. The second section is much more gentle and contemplative, and expresses the longing to return home. I decided on the title Red Towers not only because of the connection to Slovakia, but also because of the power that the words convey and their metaphorical meaning. I have dedicated this piece to my mom, who created the best home a son could ask for, and continues to demonstrate an uncommon kindness and hospitality. The melody in the clarinet at the end is my melody for her.