Karen MacIver: Helen Keller [download]

For two pianos. From the PianoPiano project, a collection evoking the spirit of ten remarkable women.

Computer typeset score (9p) saved as pdf for immediate download.

Helen Keller’s extraordinary life is remembered by her endurance and will to overcome the dreadful circumstances of loss of sight and hearing as a child.
She went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree and toured the world as a political activist just before the turn of the 20thC. However, she could never have made a life for herself without the persistence and love from her teacher, Anne Sullivan.

Anne’s ingenuity at explaining the world to Helen came at a cost. Young Helen’s violent outbursts followed by sullen and deep withdrawal from family life were a great burden to her until one day came the magic moment: the discovery of water touching Helen’s fingers explained by Anne in primitive sign language. This released Helen’s mind and Anne built a whole language framework for Helen based on touch.

This piece of music defines the aggravation and love between these two protagonists.

The improvisation is based on the notes D, E, A and F.

Recording available on CD.