Daisy
2020
for solo piano
This was my first composition to have a real emotional connection and backstory. A lot of my "songs" were personal reflections, however, my instrumental writing usually fell victim to the university-assignment trap, where I was trying to be "clever" rather than writing from the heart. Daisy was written in response to the sudden passing of my Uncle David, or Daisy as he was better known, a relic from my brother's inability to pronounce v's as a toddler. David paid the "cute" nickname forward, by referring to me as "Sergus", another artefact of my brother's early speech impediment. Daisy's death was my first experience of grief as an adult, however, as it was my last semester of undergrad, a busy assignment schedule didn't leave a lot of time to grieve. Thankfully music became my therapist and this work helped me to process the loss.
Daisy (2020)
for solo piano
Notated
|
Solo/Duo
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03:00
Composer: Fergus Fry
Performed in class May, 2020
Instrumentation: Piano
Gallery
Details
This work is dedicated to:
Uncle David "Daisy" MacCallum (1957-2020)
A loving father to Dougal, Holly, and Suzy.
Shortly after his passing, I wrote this message to his children:
"Reflecting on the wonderful shared memories we had growing up together. Uncle Daisy was always the cool uncle (sorry Max, and Big Dougal but you're just a bit weird to be crowned the coolest). From the countless barbeques to getting locked in on the old forestry roads, to summers camping at Hillcrest, to the sleepovers over at the peak, we will always remember the time we spent together as kids, and Daisy was always a key part of it - he was there the first time I had cheese."
When writing the piece, I faced a dilemma: The brief called for a quiet, softly-stated, and delicate piece of music, yet none of these descriptors could apply to Uncle David—he was loud, rambunctious, and the life of every party. He did, however, have a sense of humour, so I think he would appreciate the juxtaposition and the playful irony of representing his vibrant spirit through such understated music.
In the original dedication I wrote, "I hope this work reflects the serenity and peacefulness as you rest in the next phase of life." Over the next 5 years, these 3 minutes of music became my "reset" button, a place of serenity and peace, a place to reflect.
Daisy, I will always love and remember you.
Sergus
