A Family Portrait in Five Scenes 

Program Notes

A Family Portrait in Five Scenes was commissioned by Dr. Thomas Loew as a birthday present for his wife Carolyn in celebration of her 50th birthday. Carolyn had earned a master’s degree in clarinet performance but ultimately chose a career in another field, and thus Thomas came up with the idea of having a piece written that she and friends—other skilled amateurs—would premiere on a concert in Iowa City, where they lived at the time. (The pianist was actually a professional musician).

The movements depict scenes of a family’s life: the understandable doubts and fears a couple likely experience as they set out on life’s journey together; the playing of—and with—children; a recognition of deepening love; the birth of a grandchild; the pleasure and joy in how their life has turned out—in this case a waltz celebrating the Loews’ having settled in Iowa, where they lived for many years.

Dr. Loew was referred to me by someone I don’t even know who was an admirer of my music, and I only met Thomas and Carolyn for the first time when they were in Los Angeles for a medical conference. The birthday party-concert was a huge success, attended by friends and family from near and far, a magical event that has led me to think that commissioning pieces as birthday presents is just a wonderful idea!