Within

Many people say the answer is within. If the question is what piece should I program? Yes, the answer is Within! (ba dn ts).

In all seriousness, finding the answers within myself is a huge struggle! I am learning to trust others and their kindness. I am trying to trust my voice, my decisions, and my ideas. Writing Within is a fun journey—I say fun, which is Carlos’ Spanish for scary— because it allows me to fight back the doubting side that questions if it is too simple, too naked. It reminded me that vulnerability of asking for help.

Ryan wrote such a tender text, very pure and with no pretensions. When I composed the piece, I thought I’d call it Divine Bliss, but after I finished, I realized I was missing the point. The goal was to think about the self within, not about the divine bliss. You might even say I avoided looking inward and try to be completely comfortable with myself.

The piece goes from loud to soft. Simple. Sometimes, the answers are softly talking in the background, and we must dare to sit and keep listening until we can reach and find that light within. I know, easier said than done, right? Email me at composer.cordero@gmail.com if you want to share your story or to whom you decided to dedicate your performance.

-Carlos Cordero