Performed by Aki Takahashi. Piano composition based on the song "Julia" by John Lennon.
THE COMPOSER WRITES: “In arranging this work for piano I wished only to enhance the beauty of the original and not introduce any atonal or foreign elements.” John Lennon wrote the Beatles’ song Julia about his mother, Julia Stanley. His father deserted them when John was a baby, and after a few years his mother moved in with a new boyfriend. Thinking the atmosphere unsuitable for a five-year-old boy, Julia’s sister Mimi called Social Services and had John Lennon taken from Julia’s house. John grew up with Mimi and only started visiting his mother when he was in his early teens. She encouraged his interest in music and taught him to play the banjo. John Lennon was eighteen when Julia was hit by a car and killed, on her way home from visiting Mimi. She was 44. John Lennon named his son Julian after her. Bunita Marcus says: “I identified with this song because I too have a Julia to whom I’m forever indebted.” The words spoken by the pianist at the beginning of the piece are from the text of Lennon’s song:
Another part of this project's extensive dedication to the works of the truly great Julius Eastman, whose legend and status as one of America's major composers grows expidentially with the passing of each and every year. Gavin Hellyer
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