Israeli Dance
For Violin and Piano, Piano Trio, OR String Orchestra
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky (for violin and piano), 1999.
Israeli Dance was premiered by the King David String Ensemble of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra at the Embassy of Israel in Washington D.C. on February 6, 2003. Ms. Borowsky was honored with the Jerusalem Medal.
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky (for violin and piano), 1999.
Israeli Dance was premiered by the King David String Ensemble of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra at the Embassy of Israel in Washington D.C. on February 6, 2003. Ms. Borowsky was honored with the Jerusalem Medal.
Northern Lights
For Piano Solo.
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky in 2003.
Virtuoso piano piece depicting the grandeur of the Scandinavian countries. Powerful waterfalls, majestic fjords, and the northern lights.
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky in 2003.
Virtuoso piano piece depicting the grandeur of the Scandinavian countries. Powerful waterfalls, majestic fjords, and the northern lights.
Postcards from Dilsberg
For Violin, Cello, and Piano.
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky in July 2008.
Premiered in Dilsberg, Germany on July 6, 2008.
"Postcards from Dilsberg" is a collection of five musical postcards portraying the history, legends, and people of Dilsberg, Germany. The music was composed in July 2008 by Frances, Emmanuel, and Elizabeth Borowsky during their residency at the historic Dilsberg Castle in Germany. The first movement (Morning in Dilsberg) depicts their restful daily awakening at the top of the Kommendantenhaus, with the sun shining through the windows, the birds chirping, and their view of the Neckar River far below, slowly winding around the mountain. The second movement (Ready for Battle) is a tribute to the numerous battles waged at or over the town and castle. The theme of “Dies Irae” is audible in the middle section. The third movement (The Legendary Sleeping Chamber) creates a magical and mystical atmosphere and was inspired by the legend of the haunted room in the castle – it was said whoever slept in it would not wake again for fifty years. The theme of Johannes Brahms' Lullaby is the foundation of the movement, but is marked by rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic manipulations. The fourth movement (Rose of Dilsberg) depicts the story of Rose, who chose death rather than marrying a man she didn't love. The story is performed by Dilsberg residents each Summer on an outdoor stage. A solemn version of Wagner's Bridal Chorus and a short fragment of Chopin's Funeral March permeate the middle section. The final movement (Triumphal March) celebrates Dilsberg's 800th anniversary, which was celebrated in the year 2008 during the Borowsky's stay in Dilsberg. A DVD recording (including scenic photos of Dilsberg) was released by ICRecords in 2009 and is available for purchase (http://www.intermusearts.org/shop/).
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky in July 2008.
Premiered in Dilsberg, Germany on July 6, 2008.
"Postcards from Dilsberg" is a collection of five musical postcards portraying the history, legends, and people of Dilsberg, Germany. The music was composed in July 2008 by Frances, Emmanuel, and Elizabeth Borowsky during their residency at the historic Dilsberg Castle in Germany. The first movement (Morning in Dilsberg) depicts their restful daily awakening at the top of the Kommendantenhaus, with the sun shining through the windows, the birds chirping, and their view of the Neckar River far below, slowly winding around the mountain. The second movement (Ready for Battle) is a tribute to the numerous battles waged at or over the town and castle. The theme of “Dies Irae” is audible in the middle section. The third movement (The Legendary Sleeping Chamber) creates a magical and mystical atmosphere and was inspired by the legend of the haunted room in the castle – it was said whoever slept in it would not wake again for fifty years. The theme of Johannes Brahms' Lullaby is the foundation of the movement, but is marked by rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic manipulations. The fourth movement (Rose of Dilsberg) depicts the story of Rose, who chose death rather than marrying a man she didn't love. The story is performed by Dilsberg residents each Summer on an outdoor stage. A solemn version of Wagner's Bridal Chorus and a short fragment of Chopin's Funeral March permeate the middle section. The final movement (Triumphal March) celebrates Dilsberg's 800th anniversary, which was celebrated in the year 2008 during the Borowsky's stay in Dilsberg. A DVD recording (including scenic photos of Dilsberg) was released by ICRecords in 2009 and is available for purchase (http://www.intermusearts.org/shop/).
American Tribute to Chopin
For Piano and 4 Cellos.
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky for the American Tribute to Chopin Celebrations in 2010.
Inspired by Chopin's Prelude in E minor, and Mazurka Op. 24 No. 1 in G minor. Premiered at the "American Tribute to Chopin Gala Concert" on March 6, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. For piano, 6 celli, and percussion (optional). Also for piano, violin, and cello or piano and cello.
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky for the American Tribute to Chopin Celebrations in 2010.
Inspired by Chopin's Prelude in E minor, and Mazurka Op. 24 No. 1 in G minor. Premiered at the "American Tribute to Chopin Gala Concert" on March 6, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. For piano, 6 celli, and percussion (optional). Also for piano, violin, and cello or piano and cello.
HARDY
For Violin, Cello, and Piano.
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky in December 2010-January 2011 .
Premiered January 30, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA
Dedicated to Hardy von Auenmueller, President of the German Society of Pennsylvania.
This group of five little pieces (in the vein of Schoenberg) is an exploration of moods, styles, timbres, harmonies, and textures. Each movement is based on a note associated with a letter in the name "Hardy" - the "H" in German usage corresponding to the English "B", the "R" borrowed from the solfege scale degree "ra" (lowered second degree of the scale), the "Y" being changed to "E" as it is pronounced in the name, and the "A" and "D" corresponding with their matching pitches. The first three pieces are more pensive and dark in nature; the last two are decidedly playful. The trio begins with "H" written for solo cello. The piece uses only the five pitches corresponding to the name (B-A-D flat-D-E) and is meditative, somewhat reminiscent of the opening of Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring. The second piece begins on A and is in the Dorian mode. The theme is presented by all members of the trio unison - the piano presenting soft commentary at the end of phrases - and then is immediately repeated in the violin while the cello plays the theme in inversion. The piece is in ABA' form. The third piece, "R" begins with melodic conversation between the cello and violin. The theme is closely related, however the surprising harmonic changes in the piano part changes the context of the melody and thus the meaning. The fourth piece is a Scherzo in triple meter. Though the piano beings with a short four-note introduction, the melody - a German folksong (Hop-Hop-Hop)- is carried by the violin and played pizzicato. The piano performs rapid-fire arpeggios up and down the keyboard. The final piece, "E" is based on an ostinato of the five notes of HARDY transposed to E major (F sharp - E - G sharp - A - B). The piano beings with 7/8 ostinato sequence, the strings enter after a few moments. The middle section is a chorale in 6/4 time - also heavily based on "HARDY". A fragment of the A section returns at the end.
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky in December 2010-January 2011 .
Premiered January 30, 2011 in Philadelphia, PA
Dedicated to Hardy von Auenmueller, President of the German Society of Pennsylvania.
This group of five little pieces (in the vein of Schoenberg) is an exploration of moods, styles, timbres, harmonies, and textures. Each movement is based on a note associated with a letter in the name "Hardy" - the "H" in German usage corresponding to the English "B", the "R" borrowed from the solfege scale degree "ra" (lowered second degree of the scale), the "Y" being changed to "E" as it is pronounced in the name, and the "A" and "D" corresponding with their matching pitches. The first three pieces are more pensive and dark in nature; the last two are decidedly playful. The trio begins with "H" written for solo cello. The piece uses only the five pitches corresponding to the name (B-A-D flat-D-E) and is meditative, somewhat reminiscent of the opening of Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring. The second piece begins on A and is in the Dorian mode. The theme is presented by all members of the trio unison - the piano presenting soft commentary at the end of phrases - and then is immediately repeated in the violin while the cello plays the theme in inversion. The piece is in ABA' form. The third piece, "R" begins with melodic conversation between the cello and violin. The theme is closely related, however the surprising harmonic changes in the piano part changes the context of the melody and thus the meaning. The fourth piece is a Scherzo in triple meter. Though the piano beings with a short four-note introduction, the melody - a German folksong (Hop-Hop-Hop)- is carried by the violin and played pizzicato. The piano performs rapid-fire arpeggios up and down the keyboard. The final piece, "E" is based on an ostinato of the five notes of HARDY transposed to E major (F sharp - E - G sharp - A - B). The piano beings with 7/8 ostinato sequence, the strings enter after a few moments. The middle section is a chorale in 6/4 time - also heavily based on "HARDY". A fragment of the A section returns at the end.
In Memoriam
This For Violin, Cello, Piano, and Harmonica.
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky in May 2013.
Premiered in Kaunas, Lithuania on June 14, 2013 - the Day of Mourning and Hope - at the foremost Lithuanian music festival, under the patronage of the President of Lithuania, and then performed throughout Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia.
This composition (which includes arrangements of symbolic songs associated with this chapter of history) was acknowledged as the most expressive venue honoring the victims of the Nazi and Communist inhumanities. The music depicts the deportations, suffering, and liberation of the Baltic nations. As the Supreme Rabbi of Estonia, Shmuel Kot, concluded, "It is not only honoring the victims, but the best bridge for all people to live in harmony and peace."
I. Deportations. This movement depicts the terrifying experience of sudden capture and forced evacuation of homes at gunpoint. Countless people -- including women and children -- were deported by train in the middle of the night. Crammed into the wagons, they endured a hopeless journey.
II. Gulag. Arriving at their destination imposed by their oppressors, their worst fears were realized. They would not be going home anytime soon, if ever. The abhorrent conditions of the slave-labor camps meant that excruciating suffering and death was a daily experience. Those that survived have been haunted by the trauma and the ghosts of their family, friends, and neighbors that they were helpless to protect.
III. (Resurrection) The blood and tears became the seeds for freedom of the next generation. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania regained freedom and independence in the 1990s, most famously portrayed through the singing revolution. This is an arrangement of the song, "Wake Up, Baltics" that was sung across three nations in three languages.
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky in May 2013.
Premiered in Kaunas, Lithuania on June 14, 2013 - the Day of Mourning and Hope - at the foremost Lithuanian music festival, under the patronage of the President of Lithuania, and then performed throughout Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia.
This composition (which includes arrangements of symbolic songs associated with this chapter of history) was acknowledged as the most expressive venue honoring the victims of the Nazi and Communist inhumanities. The music depicts the deportations, suffering, and liberation of the Baltic nations. As the Supreme Rabbi of Estonia, Shmuel Kot, concluded, "It is not only honoring the victims, but the best bridge for all people to live in harmony and peace."
I. Deportations. This movement depicts the terrifying experience of sudden capture and forced evacuation of homes at gunpoint. Countless people -- including women and children -- were deported by train in the middle of the night. Crammed into the wagons, they endured a hopeless journey.
II. Gulag. Arriving at their destination imposed by their oppressors, their worst fears were realized. They would not be going home anytime soon, if ever. The abhorrent conditions of the slave-labor camps meant that excruciating suffering and death was a daily experience. Those that survived have been haunted by the trauma and the ghosts of their family, friends, and neighbors that they were helpless to protect.
III. (Resurrection) The blood and tears became the seeds for freedom of the next generation. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania regained freedom and independence in the 1990s, most famously portrayed through the singing revolution. This is an arrangement of the song, "Wake Up, Baltics" that was sung across three nations in three languages.
These Three Remain: Faith, Hope, and Love
For Violin, Cello, and Piano.
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky, Fall 2013.
Premiered December 14, 2013 in Portland OR.
Commissioned by the Madrona Viola Duo.
The word “gifts” conjures a history of images and experiences, of family, friends, and strangers who have touched our lives with their words, actions, and love. We think of beauty, we think of gratitude. The inspiration for this composition written for the Madrona Viola Duo at their Aurora Chorus December 2013 concert performances entitled “Simple Gifts” was inspired by three specific memories of gifts that the three of us received. We assigned ourselves the homework to write a movement about a memorable gift, and then came together to discuss what we had written. It was surprising even to us that we each selected a gift that evoked bittersweet memories. Perhaps this is a reminder that beauty, love, and pain are more often on the same end of the spectrum than on opposite ends. Each has changed our lives in some way, and has inspired a sense of gratitude for their lasting influence on our life. To quote 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
FAITH (Emmanuel)
I remember my lessons with Erick Friedman clearly. Although, I wasn’t fully cognizant of his status as a legendary violinist, I was intimidated enough by his strong presence that I often felt nauseated. He made it clear to me that the reason he pushed me so hard was because he had faith in me as a young violinist who would continue to grow. This unconditional gift of another person’s faith and confidence is something that I have grown to appreciate more and more as the years go by. Friedman’s generosity is the kind of gift that helps shape a life into something meaningful. Its positive effect remains forever as reflected in this movement.
HOPE (Elizabeth)
This movement is a tribute to my dear friend, Dean, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in June 2012 at the age of 30 – only a month after his wedding. After his life-changing accident, and in addition to serious ailments that severely limit his physical health and cognition, Dean has become entirely blind. Now his wife, his family, and his faith are his guiding light. The music is simple and dark, with glimmers of light and hope, and includes a fragment of his favorite hymn: How Great Thou Art.
LOVE (Frances)
As I was trying to decide what piece of jewelry to take on my year-long sojourn to Germany, I picked up a light, silver pendant. It was the outline of a heart, with a cross in the middle. My Opa (German for “grandfather”) had lovingly carved it. He had created many pendants with other motifs, but this one stood out to me. Simple, and yet profound. I tucked the pendant into the "to take" box. The traditional tune of "Simple Gifts" is used in this movement and reminds us that simplicity is a gift, and that the simplest gifts are often the most meaningful.
Composed by Emmanuel, Frances, and Elizabeth Borowsky, Fall 2013.
Premiered December 14, 2013 in Portland OR.
Commissioned by the Madrona Viola Duo.
The word “gifts” conjures a history of images and experiences, of family, friends, and strangers who have touched our lives with their words, actions, and love. We think of beauty, we think of gratitude. The inspiration for this composition written for the Madrona Viola Duo at their Aurora Chorus December 2013 concert performances entitled “Simple Gifts” was inspired by three specific memories of gifts that the three of us received. We assigned ourselves the homework to write a movement about a memorable gift, and then came together to discuss what we had written. It was surprising even to us that we each selected a gift that evoked bittersweet memories. Perhaps this is a reminder that beauty, love, and pain are more often on the same end of the spectrum than on opposite ends. Each has changed our lives in some way, and has inspired a sense of gratitude for their lasting influence on our life. To quote 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
FAITH (Emmanuel)
I remember my lessons with Erick Friedman clearly. Although, I wasn’t fully cognizant of his status as a legendary violinist, I was intimidated enough by his strong presence that I often felt nauseated. He made it clear to me that the reason he pushed me so hard was because he had faith in me as a young violinist who would continue to grow. This unconditional gift of another person’s faith and confidence is something that I have grown to appreciate more and more as the years go by. Friedman’s generosity is the kind of gift that helps shape a life into something meaningful. Its positive effect remains forever as reflected in this movement.
HOPE (Elizabeth)
This movement is a tribute to my dear friend, Dean, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in June 2012 at the age of 30 – only a month after his wedding. After his life-changing accident, and in addition to serious ailments that severely limit his physical health and cognition, Dean has become entirely blind. Now his wife, his family, and his faith are his guiding light. The music is simple and dark, with glimmers of light and hope, and includes a fragment of his favorite hymn: How Great Thou Art.
LOVE (Frances)
As I was trying to decide what piece of jewelry to take on my year-long sojourn to Germany, I picked up a light, silver pendant. It was the outline of a heart, with a cross in the middle. My Opa (German for “grandfather”) had lovingly carved it. He had created many pendants with other motifs, but this one stood out to me. Simple, and yet profound. I tucked the pendant into the "to take" box. The traditional tune of "Simple Gifts" is used in this movement and reminds us that simplicity is a gift, and that the simplest gifts are often the most meaningful.
Hola Amigos
For Piano Trio.
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky, January 2016
Premiered January 2016 in Havana, Cuba
Composed by Elizabeth Borowsky, January 2016
Premiered January 2016 in Havana, Cuba