spero by Michael Burritt - performed by the Eastman Percussion Ensemble
Andrew Bockman
Emma Gierszal
Micah Harrow
Justin Lamb
Michael Burritt - soloist
Produced by Connor Stevens and Chris Amick
spero means hope in latin and comes from the phrase, “dum spiro, spero” - when I breathe, I hope. During my travels this past summer while writing this piece I kept reflecting on the need for hope. It also struck me that when I do think of hope, I think about my students and young people everywhere who are the hope for the future of music and so much more.
I have wanted for some time to write a piece for solo drum and chamber ensemble. spero features muted tenor drum and snare drum in addition to cajon. The work is a nod to one of my favorite pieces in the repertoire, Mudra, by Eastman graduate and percussion legend Bob Becker.
spero is dedicated to Liz and Stephen Biggar for their kindness and enthusiasm for the arts.
MJB