Illustrations by Chloe Lanyi Lari (ig: @chloecloverart)
The Things They Don't See
SATB choir (with divisi), narrations, soloists, string quartet, piano, cajon, percussion | approx. 1:45:00 | text by various artists | composed in 2022 - 2024 | premiered at St. Olaf College in April of 2024
Choral Edition (approx. 60:00) also available for performance
The Things They Don’t See is a new oratorio composed for choir, string quartet, and piano. The composition follows the story of Michael Lynch, a 14-year-old boy from Rochester, NY who was struck by a car in March of 2017 and passed away from his injuries. The composition highlights the struggles of grief and the individuality of the grieving process. Over 30 community members were consulted to share their experiences. Setting these anecdotes and memories to music in 26 movements, The Things They Don’t See explores a plethora of diverse perspectives as a community tries to put their lives back together. Genres of contemporary musical theater, gospel, blues, art song, classical, and choral music blend to create a passionate reflection on grief and the ones who are left behind. The work is organized into 3 parts...
I. In Your Presence tells Michael’s story from the beginning of his parent’s marriage before he was born to the days before his accident. The movements in this section help build a collective image of who he was and give context to important events in his life.
II. In Your Passing focuses on the accident and the immediate aftermath. It begins with his father’s recollection of the morning he stepped out the door and the chaotic days that followed. The section ends with Michael’s peaceful passing.
III. In Your Memory follows the community through the grieving process, trying to pick itself up from tragedy. Posing more questions than answers, this section focuses on the short and long-term impacts of loss, the individuality of the journey, and how complicated our paths to healing can be.
Perusal Score (Choral Edition):
TTTDS - Perusal Score.pdfPremiere at St. Olaf College on April 19th, 2024 (Choral Edition):