Solitary (2021)

Instrumentation: Trombone and Actors
Video included in the digital gallery of the Boston University project Race, Justice, Prison: Illuminating Stories through the Arts

Program Notes 

Solitary is inspired by the many incarcerated artists who experience injustice, yet continue to create powerful works of life-affirming art. Many continue to create their art even during prolonged periods of solitary confinement, which is a form of torture according to the UN Mandela Rules.

In this piece, the solo trombonist stands behind a screen to represent an incarcerated artist locked in solitary confinement, separated from the rest of society. The actors represent those of us who live on the outside and all too often remain oblivious to, or even unconcerned with, the many forms of injustice in our criminal-legal system.

The trombone solo is meant to express feelings not just of frustration and anguish, but also hope, power, and transcendence. The frequent use of different slide positions to play the same pitch points to the humanity we all share, regardless of the location and circumstances in which we find ourselves. The piece ends with a question represented by the recurring, ascending motive: when will those of us on the outside finally stop, listen, and act?

— Ted Messerschmidt