Jacob Beranek Music
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SEMPRE NELLA LUCE (2016)
flute, cello, piano

  • Duration
    ​6 minutes
  • Premiere
    May 9, 2017
    Dolce Suono Ensemble
    Curtis Institute of Music
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Dedication
    for the Dolce Suono Ensemble, in memory of Dr. Steven Stucky (1949–2016)
  • ​Awards
    Dolce Suono Ensemble Steven Stucky Young Composers Competition, 2017 Winner
  • Quotes
    "We were all so impressed by Sempre nella luce, which is such a meaningful tribute to Steven Stucky. . . . Beranek's  professionalism and aplomb in rehearsal and in addressing the audience displayed a poise far beyond his years."
    —Mimi Stillman

    Artistic Director, Dolce Suono Ensemble
Picture
click image for score sample
Purchase
​Score & Parts (digital download): $12.00
Score Only (digital download): $8.00
Score & Parts (hard copy): $20.00 + shipping
Score Only (hard copy): $15.00 + shipping
PROGRAM NOTES

​Dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Steven Stucky (1949–2016),  this composition’s title, Sempre nella luce (Forever in the Light), alludes to one of Dr. Stucky’s compositions, Nell’ombra, nella luce (In Shadow, in Light).
​
While I did not have the honor of knowing Dr. Stucky long, I was blessed enough to spend an hour with him in a one-on-one lesson at the Juilliard School in October 2015. At that point in time, I was very unsure of my compositional abilities, and Dr. Stucky—with his infectious, genuine smile—warmly encouraged me to pursue the career of composing. In seeing such a renowned teacher’s faith in me, I had discovered a new confidence in myself and my potential as a composer. It came as a complete shock when, less than four months later, Dr. Stucky suddenly died. Therefore, as a form of elegy for someone who impacted countless young composers, I felt compelled to compose this piece for the Dolce Suono Ensemble’s 2017 Steven Stucky Young Composers Competition.

Sempre nella luce is a progression through many varied and wide-ranging emotional responses felt after the loss of someone important. Beginning with numbness (the word a mentor of mine used when he learned of Dr. Stucky’s passing), the character of this piece continues to evolve through grief, despair, mourning, reminiscence, and yearning. Here, the composition reaches its climax, collapsing in on itself and returning to the original thematic material--this time, however, with newfound hope.

It is through this hope that I believe we should always view the departure of people from their mortal lives on Earth. From the title of this piece to the final ascending, bell-like chords, the music (as well as its composer) finds reassurance in the promise of eternal life.

​—Jacob Beranek
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Picture
© Copyright 2019-2022 by Jacob Beranek Music. All rights reserved. | Photos by Margaret Butler.
  • Home
  • About
    • Long Bio
    • Short Bio
    • Artist Statement
    • In the News
    • Headshots
  • Works
    • Large Ensemble
    • Solo & Chamber
    • Vocal
  • Listen
  • Events
  • Connect