Performed live on March 25th, 2026 as part of Christopher Keach's Faculty Recital, "The Voice of the Trumpet"

Elegy by Alex Shapiro

Christopher Keach, flugelhorn/trumpet

Marie-Elaine Gagnon, cello

Risa Okina, piano

Program Notes:

Alex Shapiro (b. 1962) has built an unconventional life interweaving her dynamic musical career with avid pursuits of wildlife photography, non-fiction writing, and a devotion to advocacy. Published by Activist Music LLC, her works are heard daily in concerts and broadcasts and can be found on over forty commercially released recordings from around the world. Alex lives on Washington State's remote San Juan Island, and when she's not composing, she can be found communing with the sea life, as seen on her music and photo-filled blog, www.notesfromthekelp.com and her website, www.alexshapiro.org.

"Elegy" was composed shortly after the death of my father at the early age of 69, in the wake of his nine-year bout with Alzheimer's disease. It began life as a piano trio, and at the request of the wonderful Orenunn Trio I created this adaptation for the trumpet. Plaintive and very lyrical, there is a romantic, late nineteenth century presence floating through much of the piece, faintly echoing the Brahms trios my father adored. The opening theme descends, and the flow of the music attempts to cry out and fight against such decline. The middle of the piece brings a moving cello melody which swells upward and ultimately plays against the first motive in a very emotional plea. The music ends in stillness, with just the quiet, lone voices of the instruments and the acceptance of loss.

This performance of Elegy by Alex Shapiro is dedicated to my grandmother, Barbara Jean Keach who passed away on February 2nd, 2026. She was also a strong supporter of my musical career and an inspiration for me to always be the best person I could be.