Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Waves of Lament

Kennedy Kimber-Johnson, The University of Western Ontario

Abstract

Waves of Lament is a five movement cycle for solo organ with a duration of 23 minutes. This cycle is a reflection of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through its five movements, this work aims to depict the different chapters of life during a global pandemic. Waves of Lament, utilizes the sounds of the organ to explore various extra-musical themes from the pandemic. The first movement explores panic and anxiety, the second looks at isolation, and the third movement explores themes of rest and reflection. The fourth movements deals with the massive amount of loss we have all experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, the finale explores the idea of ‘hazy recollections,’ and how memories float through our consciousness, particularly in our quiet moments.