Bruch Kol Nidrei
The music always gives me a divine peace that trenscends death and separation. I hope it does the same for the families who lost their loved ones on September 11, 2001.
Chul Lee
Artists' responses
I am impressed by the response of many artists to the tragedy of 9/11. In purely musical terms, there is John Adams's passionate ON THE TRANSMIGRATION OF SOULS, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic in the wake of the tragedy. (But you know that.)
Our two finest living choreographers, Paul Taylor and Mark Morris, both created works in 2002 which, while not explicitly "9/11 ballets," were clearly influenced by the social and spiritual impact of the attacks on our city. They made interesting choices in music -- pieces which I not only associate with dance masterpieces but also with intense emotional release.
Mark Morris set "V" to Schumann's extraordinary Piano Quintet in E-flat, Op. 44. Both the music and the dance take the audience on an extraordinary emotional journey.
Taylor's "Promethean Fire" (a program note quotes Shakespeare, "Promethean fire, which relumes your light.") is set to Stokowski orchestrations of three Bach pieces: the Toccata and Fugue in D minor, the Prelude in E-flat, and the Chorale Prelude "Wir glauben alle an einem Gott." I have always assumed that when God created the symphony orchestra, he wanted Stoki to use it to prove Bach really did speak for the divine.
I have seen both these works three times in different contexts. They always bring an intense response from the audience: they cry, they cheer, they leap to their feet. They bring us from pain and doubt to joy and celebration.
Harry Mathews
NEW YORK NEW YORK BY FRANK SINATRA
THIS SONG JUST SEEMED TO BE A RALLY SONG FOR ALL AMERICANS AFTER 9/11. I LOVE THIS SONG AND VERSION EVEN MORE. I ALSO LIKE KATE SMITH'S VERSION OF GOD BLESS AMERICA
STEPHEN SANDBERG
William, Summon the Heroes
Written for the 1996 Olympics, this is an inspirational piece that is a fitting tribute to the first responders, both those who died and those who survived, who answered the call on a dark day in American history. It provides both a sense of remembrance and a sense of inspiration to carry us forward.
Dennis Fox
That is a real tough question.
Three of my four adult children were at work in NYC. One son saw the second plane go in from an office window. I spent the day in NJ waiting to hear from them. They all made it to their homes.
But for the families of those whose husbands, wives, fathers, sons and daughters did't make it home, what do they want to hear?
When my husband was dying he said he wanted "When the Saints go Marching In".
Phyllis Sharpe
Sleepers Awake composed by Bach
To keep the memories close of those lost on Sept. 11.
Christine Borntrager
Faure Requiem
I heard it at Grace Church on the first 9/11 anniversary in 2002.
Anne Phelan
the Transmigration of Souls by Adamss
I normally do not like modern music but this piece is the only one that I have heard to convey the aftermath of the attacks. It is most moving.
Henry Moscicki
Ives Second Symphony
While the tendency is to think in terms of a sad memorial, an Elegy or a Requiem, I nominate this uplifting, patriotic symphony to symbolize the spirit of resurgence inherent in the American people.
Arthur Yeager
John Rutter's Requiem
I've sung parts of this and it's very moving.
Robin
Andrea Bocelli's Time To Say Goodbye
To me, this song and Mr. Bocelli's voice are so fabulously beautiful. Also, the song is haunting and poignant... it always reminds me of loved ones who've passed on. It just seems appropriate as part of the anniversary of the loss of so many precious people and the loss of our beloved icons that rose above the city for so long.
Megan
Orchestra of Tetouan
It was a spiritual call involving nothing but love and devotion. It was a clear message of deep connections forged through music. (Heard on this show: http://www.wnyc.org/shows/newsounds/2009/sep/22)
Caryn Havlik
