Endeavor (Variations on America the Beautiful)

Endeavor was written for pianist Min Kwon as part of her America The Beautiful project. Scherzo-like, playful, and dramatic, this variation uses the initial falling third in the American the Beautiful melody and surrounds it with skittering, high register figures, while we hear the melody in high, long tones. This eventually builds into more strident and rich chords in the meatier middle and low register, with the theme apparent but transformed. The natural landscapes of America will always be beautiful, despite our failings and our struggles to unite, even in times of crisis, as we endeavor to form a more perfect union. Many thanks to Min Kwon for this wonderful project. – Pierre Jalbert