Black Waters
for saxophone quartet
Black Waters commemorates the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico during the spring of 2010. It is dedicated to the memory of the 11 rig workers who lost their lives aboard the rig. It is also dedicated to the citizens of the Gulf region who have lost their livelihoods due to the untold damages that millions of gallons of oil and dispersant have caused to the Gulf and its aquatic life. Lastly, it is dedicated to the hope that we as Americans will work together to stop destroying our Earth for economic gain and build a new, clean, and economically vibrant energy future.
The principal thematic motive of Black Waters is the chorale melody "Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam (Christ our Lord came to the river Jordan)." The final chorale of Black Waters is based off of the last movement of Bach's cantata sharing the chorale melody's name (BWV 7/7), the words of which are:
The principal thematic motive of Black Waters is the chorale melody "Christ unser Herr zum Jordan kam (Christ our Lord came to the river Jordan)." The final chorale of Black Waters is based off of the last movement of Bach's cantata sharing the chorale melody's name (BWV 7/7), the words of which are:
Das Aug' allein das Wasser sieht,
Wie Menschen Wasser gießen, Der Glaub im Geist die Kraft versteht Des Blutes Jesu Christi, Und ist für ihm ein rothe Fluth Von Christi Blut gefärbet, Die allen Schaden heilen tut Von Adam her geerbet, Auch von uns selbst begangen. |
The eye sees water alone,
Which is poured out by man, But Faith in the Spirit understands the power Of the blood of Jesus Christ, And it is for him a red flow Colored by Christ's blood, Which cleanses all sins Which we have inherited from Adam, And which we have brought upon ourselves. Translation by the composer |