“20th Century Good-bye”
(Composed, arranged and orchestrated by Reynold D. Philipsek copyright 1997 Zino-Rephi Music BMI)
Piano, vocals-reynold
Cello parts-Dianne Tremaine
Flute-Kristi Kuhns
Clarinet-Kevin Stuevens
Percussion-Gomez de Riquet
Violin parts-Carolyn Boulay
Oboe-Merilee Klemp
Trombone,cornet and euphonium parts-Zane Schaefer
Harp-Sunita Staneslow
Recorded by Brandon Lenz
Mastered by John Hammond
This track is built from many elements and is very much an example of multi-tracking. We started the record with me playing piano to a click track and built it up section by section. It is the most fully orchestrated piece I have ever done.
I send this message out now because the lyrics hint at some currently salient points. I guess what it all boils down to is that acts of cruelty and desperation are unfortunately a part of the human condition. In the end, history has a way of finding moral resolution which leans (so far) toward humanity’s brighter light. Or, so we hope. Though these lyrics describe the 20th Century in retrospect the idea certainly very much applies now.
(NOTE: In the cover photo that accompanies this YouTube video I am seated at Maurice Ravel’s piano in Montfort L’Amaury.)
Headphones really help. Lyrics below.
“20th Century Good-bye”
(Philipsek)
Some war, some peace,
All the happenstance between
Our two eternities in the meantime.
Is this an age of wonder of just Babylon?
A spectacular sunset mistaken
for a dawn at the same time?
Just where did the time fly?
20th Century Good-bye.
The rise and and decline
Of another chapter of mankind
In the meantime.
Is it random or design
that a million fates
all intertwine at the same time?
We all want to go to heaven
but we don’t want to die,
Like to take the plunge
and still keep dry in the meantime.
Be kind.
Love,
Reyn