While I would never claim Mallory as one of my teachers, her impact on my craft (and my life, for that matter) has been one of the single greatest forces I have encountered. It’s only fitting that Mallory is such an advocate for David’s music.
For me, my experience with David's music has been one of ultimate emotional expression. I find myself being drawn back to David's music with increasing frequency - usually when I'm feeling particularly reflective or an overwhelming need to center myself. Whenever I have trouble processing something (emotions, events, life in general), I will wander over to my library and pull one of David's scores. For whatever reason, getting lost in his world for a little while always makes me feel better when I lift my head from his music.
It's this energy, this force, this ability to feel and process emotion through music that I always try to transmit whenever I conduct David's music. And while that should always be a goal when a conductor works on a piece by any composer, I find myself taking special care with his scores. This cornerstone of his music is something we can all identify with, and it's one of the reasons that I think David's place in the eternal universe is secure.
Thank you, David, for your wonderful music. Thank you for the way you've touched me, the countless students and people who have gotten to know you through your music, and for the wonderful embrace you've helped to create.
If you want some additional listening recommendations, check out these pieces:
