Mike Forbes

Bridge

Brige is a three-movement work, a mini-requiem for tuba/euphonium quartet and countertenor (ad lib.). It was commissioned by the sons of Brigita Hazner in her memory. The text of the first movement is from the will of 'Bridge' (Brigita) and is translated as follows: 'the years pass, the longings evaporate, the pain in the chest shall end! The text of the third movement comes from a Lituanian folk song. It was recited at Bridge's funeral: 'If God invites, we must obey'. This composition illustrates Bridge's animated life and final struggle against a cruel illness, but it also aims to be a representation of life itself. The first movement, 'Lament', depicts the ugliness of the world and man's struggle to survive war, disease, famine, ignorance and selfishness. In contrast, the second movement, 'Spirit', is about the joy and enjoyment of life. The third movement, entitled 'Invitation', takes a contemplative look at life after life, or at least the transition from one life to another.