The Madleen
Instrumentation: concertino for euphonium and piano
Year Composed: 2025
Duration: 12’
The Madleen Concertino was commissioned by Amira Rasoul as a wedding gift for her husband, Justin Weis. The title honors The Madleen, a ship that carried supplies into Gaza and came to symbolize resilience and survival for Palestinians. In choosing this title, Amira wished for the piece to carry both personal and cultural meaning, linking their marriage with a broader story of perseverance and hope.
The music traces a journey of two voices. At first, they stand apart, representing the different backgrounds that Justin and Amira each bring. Gradually, their lines begin to weave together, reflecting connection and growth. Later, the themes separate—an echo of the period when the couple lived far apart—but the drive to return is always present. The work finds resolution in a new harmony, closing with music that celebrates unity, joy, and the creation of something shared.
The structure resembles a theme-and-variations, though the “theme” is defined by modal identities rather than a fixed melody. The work moves through E Hijaz and E Aeolian (representing contrast), into E Mixolydian (a fusion containing traits of both), and finally E Major (a resolution symbolizing unity). The euphonium and piano act as equal partners. Each takes turns presenting, developing, and supporting the two modal identities. The solo part is written to highlight both the agility and lyricism of the euphonium.
This work was made possible through consortium members: Sophia Rivera (lead), John Caputo, Erin Duke, Adam Frey, Allison Hall, Steven Hoffman, Thomas Janssen, Naomi Jarvis, JT Kender, Jamie Lipton, Loke Lovett, Nicholas McDermott, Jimmy Rhine, and Deanna Swoboda
