Prelude for Rocky
A precursor to my work, Everlasting, this prelude for solo piano aims to capture those emotions experienced after the loss of a beloved pet.
In August 2020, my childhood cat of nearly 16 years, Rocky, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly of old age. This was mere days after I had moved away from home to finish my last year of college as an undergraduate. I was heartbroken, especially since I wasn’t able to be there with him for the last few days. Had I known this was coming, I would have made a more conscious effort to spend that time with him. The call came on a Friday morning just after our marching band camp had ended. My mom told me what had happened, and I broke down shortly after hanging up. Within those next few days, I had made the move to adopt a new cat, Neah, the dedicatee of Everlasting, however, there was still a void in my heart where Rocky used to be.
In times of strong emotion, I tend to use music as an outlet. I’ve always found that I compose my best works during periods of extreme emotion, whether positive or negative. Prelude for Rocky is an example of that. The short piano prelude evokes these feelings of heartbreak tied together with more joyful moments, as if to say that, despite the sadness that comes with loss, there are still fond memories to be had.
Premiered by myself in November 2020, Prelude for Rocky is a great piece to include as part of a recital or solo performance, or even as just something fun to play for friends and family.
Duration: ~4 minutes