Item Number: B7.B170
8.5x11 inches.
BALLAD AND EPILOGUE for string trio (violin, viola and cello) by Roman Placzek is a heartfelt tribute to Walter Ford Carter and the memory of his father, Dr. Elmer Norval Carter, whose story is immortalized in Walter's book "No Greater Sacrifice, No Greater Love" published by Smithsonian Books. "I composed the piece while living with my host family, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Carter in Newton, MA. Walter's mother died during that time and I learned that he grew up without a father. Walter's father, died a hero during the invasion of Normandy gunned down by a sniper while attending a wounded soldier. Walter's mother never spoke of her husband again. One day I saw an open diary Walter's father kept during those days and I realized that among the last words he wrote in his life were thoughts of love for his two sons, and he specifically mentioned Walter's name. Ballad depicts Walter's life growing up and rearing his children while never knowing his father. Epilogue portrays the rediscovery of his parent when, after the death of his mother, Walter found his father's letters and a diary she was hiding from him until her death. The role of each instrument is vital to me. All three voices play an equally important role, taking their leading parts as the story unfolds. Being a professional cellist with profound knowledge of string playing and all bowed string instruments, I make sure that the players are indulged in the performance of my pieces, same as the audience. Based on my personal experience performing it many times in U.S. and in Europe, BALLAD and EPILOGUE gives a great pleasure to the performers and audience alike." - Roman Placzek (11'22") Grade IV-V. B170.
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