When a Good Man Goes to War (2018)
2018
Program Notes
One of my favorite television programs is BBC's 'Doctor Who'. I remember watching the series as a child and, while not totally understanding what was happening, felt a deep impact from the loveable characters and challenging subject matter. Over the last 15 years or so, Doctor Who has resurged as a story-telling reprieve in my life and one particular exchange has resonated with me:
Wilfred: Why? What have I done?
The Woman: You’re an old soldier, sir. Only you were too late. The war was won and passed you by.
Wilfred: I did my duty.
The Woman: You never killed a man.
Wilfred: No I didn’t. No I did not. No. But don’t say that like it’s shameful.
- Doctor Who, BBC. 'The End of Time, Part 1' Originally Released the 25th of December 2009
Wilfred was a recurring character during several series and the dialogue above allows one to peer into the realities of both war, perception of valor and honor, and the struggle to reconcile issues of heroism and goodness. This work is an homage to the series and character; a musical representation of the inherent complexity of goodness and war. Ultimately, my hope is to portray the complexity of the human condition and the wellspring of hope that often shimmers through even the darkest of times.
Program Notes
One of my favorite television programs is BBC's 'Doctor Who'. I remember watching the series as a child and, while not totally understanding what was happening, felt a deep impact from the loveable characters and challenging subject matter. Over the last 15 years or so, Doctor Who has resurged as a story-telling reprieve in my life and one particular exchange has resonated with me:
Wilfred: Why? What have I done?
The Woman: You’re an old soldier, sir. Only you were too late. The war was won and passed you by.
Wilfred: I did my duty.
The Woman: You never killed a man.
Wilfred: No I didn’t. No I did not. No. But don’t say that like it’s shameful.
- Doctor Who, BBC. 'The End of Time, Part 1' Originally Released the 25th of December 2009
Wilfred was a recurring character during several series and the dialogue above allows one to peer into the realities of both war, perception of valor and honor, and the struggle to reconcile issues of heroism and goodness. This work is an homage to the series and character; a musical representation of the inherent complexity of goodness and war. Ultimately, my hope is to portray the complexity of the human condition and the wellspring of hope that often shimmers through even the darkest of times.