Most Importantly, Loves by Adrienne Inglis (world premiere)

Program note from the composer — Most Importantly, Loves (2021), a song cycle for soprano and piano composed by Adrienne Inglis (ASCAP), was commissioned by Maureen Broy Papovich whose six letters furnish the text. She wrote letters to various close family members with tender messages overflowing with admiration, affection, and hope. The songs look at each beloved relative as seen through the prism of the author’s caring eyes and heart. Rooted in moody Dorian mode, the lyrical melodies of R. J. overlay a more brooding, restless piano part. Lucy sports a bit of a jazzy lilt and sassy attitude. The infectious laugh of Camryn and the remarkable resemblance to her late father underpin this quick syncopated C major number. Brendan reflects his exuberant love of life and devastating self-destructive addiction with radical tonality and tempo changes. Mira has an encouraging message for a young person in D mixolydian with soothing piano texture. Jonah’s long lines soar over lush expansive harmonies grounded in B flat major to form a soft fleece blanket of comforting sound and boundless unconditional parental love.

 Program note from the writer — The impetus for the poems that became the song cycle “Most Importantly Loves” started a decade ago. My brother died suddenly in 2011 at the age of 42. He left all of us behind including his daughters, my nieces, when they were ages six years and six months. My father and mother died a short time later, within months of each other in 2013 and 2014. Finally, in 2017 my 27-year-old nephew died of a drug overdose. This intense period of loss brought and continues to bring about many feelings of regret in addition to so much more. When my nephew died, my son Jonah, developed an intense anxiety about losing us, his parents. I felt compelled to express my feelings, the fear of my own mortality, the anxiety of leaving behind loved ones, combined with words said and unsaid to those lost. “Love letters” is my gift to the six young people I care most about. These songs, exquisitely set to music by my friend and composer Adrienne Inglis, express my deep love for each of my loved ones and also, hopefully, provide them with a piece of writing that they can use as a source of strength when life becomes particularly challenging.  

R.J.

My first love! 
I cherished your entrance into the world and savored your young years Robert James Lightman.  
You are a remarkable being. Strong and sensitive, generous and beautiful. Your intelligence, loyalty and perseverance these 30 some years make me deeply proud and grateful. 
Know that I hold you in the highest regard and want only to be thought of as a place of safety and uncompromising love. 
Most importantly, dear one, please cherish yourself as much as I cherish you.

Lucy

Where did you come from, miss?!  
That spicy wit and devilish grin?  Your twinkling eyes and sweet freckles disguise a personality full of surprises. 
I have enjoyed watching you grow and getting to play a role in your world.  
Smart, southern girl, remember that you are all you’ll ever need in this life.  
Most importantly love, can I have your shoes when you grow out of them?

Camryn

Oh Camryn!  
God’s gift to us.
The deepest losses we suffered were alongside your early years and you brought us an intense joy that gave us all life.  
An obvious reincarnation of my brother, as if he sent his soul into you for a “to be continued.” My brother, Stephen Broy, 2.0 in the form of the most adorable little girl. So much fun, humor, and individuality. 
My dear, always stay true to exactly who you are. Your dad is watching and enjoying every second. Sweet Cami-kins, friend of the turtle and most importantly, love, my favorite laugh.

Brendan

Oh my goodness, the cutest little baby and the happiest child.  You were fun and outgoing and full of love to give.  You had so many gifts and we all loved you for them.  You faced challenges and made mistakes and we still loved you. 
Bubba, lover of animals, remember when you tried to call Dwayne the Rock Johnson and Uncle Steve called you back pretending to be him?
Did you know how much we all truly cared for you?   Our last conversation was terrible and if I could go back, I would have said that it wasn’t YOU that I don’t trust but your addiction.  Addiction took you over and took you from us too soon.  
Most importantly love, we miss you.

Mira

How did you turn into an astonishing young woman so fast?  It wasn’t too long ago that you were picking on your baby cousin! I’ve watched you transform through hardship and loss into a young woman of courage and impressive conviction. Your beauty, intelligence, talents, and athleticism are wonderful but it is your kindness, empathy, and morality that I admire the most. As you navigate the world of adulthood and relationships, remember that you are good and hold on to that as a talisman. Most importantly, love, know that no matter how big the rubber ducky is, you can handle it.

Jonah

Oh Jonah, Jonah, Jonah!
My most darling one. Our only child.
At 14, you astonish us with your unique brain and generous soul.
This extraordinary year has been a gift of time with you before you fly off into your own life and journey. In these years to come and for the rest of your life, I hope that our intense love for you is a foundation for your love of yourself and others.
It is important to acknowledge what is hard in life but to always come back to what is good.  Knowing that life will always change and the only thing that won’t change is your essential self that is good and worthy.
Knowing there will be sadness, heartache, fear and loss. 
Knowing there will be wonder, abundant joy, beauty and love. 
Finding what brings you peace in each stage of your life is your mission.
Most importantly love, Je t’aime! Ti amo! THE MOST!