A Prayer for This Challenging Time:
inspired by the poem by Rev. Stuart Dunnan
for piano solo
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Mowing:
​Inspired by the poem by Robert Frost
for piano trio and vocal percussion
by Amy Aberg McLelland

200 Central Park West:
for piano trio
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Forever is composed of Nows:
​Inspired by the poem by Emily Dickinson
for piano trio
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Postcards:
for piano trio
by Amy Aberg McLelland

24 Hours:
for piano trio and voice
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Reflections on covid 19 pandemic. 4 movements:  I. Darkness II. Day III. Noonday IV. Night
This is a short work for piano solo in 4 mvts based upon Psalm 91, titled “24 Hours”, reflecting the 24-hour protection that God gives us as well as the speed at which everything is changing every 24 hours. Yet “there is no threat, whether seen or unseen, anticipated or unexpected, which can catch God unaware and unable to protect us.”

The Hebrew day had four equal parts, and this verse reveals that each one is under God’s protection. (Psalm 91:5-6) “Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flieth by day, nor of the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor of the destruction that layeth waste at noonday.” (NIV) “You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.”

I. Movement - Darkness (Midnight – 6AM)
This movement describes the “noisome pestilence that walketh in darkness.” Pestilence can be any virulent or fatal contagious disease, or anything that endangers morals and welfare of society. Some interpretations use the word “plague” which, of course, is anything that afflicts or causes troubles or calamity, which could be a contagious or deadly pandemic virus like Covid 19, locusts, or perhaps poverty, or crippling fear and worry.

II. Movement - Day (6AM – Noon)
The focus for this movement is on Psalm 91:4, inspired by the image of God’s protection as portrayed by a mother bird, who safely tucks her young under her wings where they are secure. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge...”

III. “Noonday” (Noon – 6PM)
“the destruction that layeth waste at noonday” (Psalm 91:6)

The best stories of plagues? Why Exodus of course! In Exodus 12, the requirements for the Israelite’s safety and protection were laid out quite specifically .... applying the blood of a lamb to the doorposts and the lintel of their house etc. etc. It’s a nice light read if you feel inspired.

I’m reminded of the discipline and self-control required of us all to help combat Covid 19. From social distancing, to hand-washing, self and mandated quarantine, to controlling our fears and doubts, remaining faithful and calm despite wading through these deep waters of the unknown.

What I get out of Exodus 12 is not necessarily that I need to make haggis but, rather, that obeying God and remaining faithful is not only an abstract faith … a faith with pastel feathers and the delicate scent of vanilla … but also a concrete discipline and diligence. At the risk of sounding like Kant, I believe God will protect us and supply us with the wisdom and strength, guidance, science, and tools during this challenging time ...... however, it is up to us to use these gifts wisely, consistently, and knowledgeably.

And stay away from beaches and bars.
We all have to do our part. We all share this planet. We are all accountable to one another. We are all accountable for God’s creation.

So, a nod to a tune we probably are all singing when we wash out hands, (albeit with an appropriate minor twist), as well as a reference to a popular club song, (Havana), which gradually unravels and liquifies, just as our familiar routines of life (restaurants, bars, social interaction, parties) dissipate into a new norm of …. well, we don’t truly know this new norm yet. (Hence the last note of the movement.)

IV. Movement - “Night” (6PM – Midnight)
Dangers can be obvious (a Tsunami, or a fierce tiger) or subtle and seemingly hidden (Covid 19, a seduction of a deadly sin, or a net trap camouflaged under the leaves.). This movement depicts both the obvious “terrors of the night” as well as the hidden “snares of fowler.”

For another light read, check out the methods the Fowler’s (professional bird catchers) used in ancient times. Gruesome things actually, like sewing birds’ eyes shut so they would cry, thus lure other birds close so they could shoot them with arrows or a throw stick (Ecclesiasticus 11:30) when partridges it quail were running up hill. Read about the fowlers’ practices and it will shed new light on the passages regarding “escaping the snare” and expressions like “freeing the caged bird.”

I’m guessing that the Fowler represents Satan or perhaps an evil person who entices you into a sinful act or ‘trap’. (Psalm 119:110) So, in addition to the more obvious “terrors of the night”, this piece also depicts perhaps the more subtle, sinister schemes of the devil (the opening) …. snares which are meant to lure us and destroy or enslave us. “The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.” (Proverbs 29:25) And my FAVORITE in these times, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (1 Timothy 6:9)

With the closing of the movement, we turn to verses 1-2 of Psalm 91 - “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” And verses 9-11: “Because thou hast made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Or the Good News version, no offense to King James, “You have made the Lord your defender, the Most High your protector, and so no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.”

God provides constant protection, twenty-four hours a day (Isa. 43:2). I’m holding onto that. Stay safe everyone and prayers to you all for health and protection.

Lots of people have a rug. Not many have a pug. 
for piano trio, percussion, and vocal ensemble
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Day 13 
for piano trio
by Amy Aberg McLelland

The Sound of Trees:
​Inspired by the poem by Robert Frost
for piano trio
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Hope is the thing with feathers:
​Inspired by the poem by Emily Dickinson
​for piano trio
by Amy Aberg McLelland

https://vimeo.com/370436221

Blue Boy:
for piano trio and vocal chamber ensemble
by Amy Aberg McLelland

This composition was sent to the poet, Ann Elinor Walker. The poet was commissioned to write a poem based upon her response to the composition and the scenario, and the magnificent poem "Triple Clef" was born. 

Triple Clef, by Ann Elinor Walker:

The Sound of Covid 19:
For piano solo
by Amy Aberg McLelland

And Again I Say, Rejoice! 
for piano trio, soprano, alto
by Amy Aberg McLelland

The Little Black Dog:
​Inspired by the poem by Elizabeth Gardner
for piano trio
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Acronym Pieces:

CDC:

Twinkle #6, dedicated to Governor Kent - “The dead do not make a noise. Yet, the names of our dead friends, our colleagues, put here in black and white, make a deafening noise.” - Filippo Anelli.
I’ve been told that it’s important to pray specifically for people by name. While I can’t pronounce all of these names, I think things are just becoming statistics and abstract theories because folks don’t seem to be taking guidelines and recommendations seriously enough. Listen to the experts. Be creative and work from home when at all possible. Look out for your fellow human being from a distance of 6 feet or more wearing a mask. Limit the number of people in a room. Be smart. Stay the course. Be vigilant.

She Could Teach a Rock to Read:
for piano solo
a tribute to educators who have died of Covid 19
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Rainbow Twinkle:

SMS. SOS. IMHO.
for piano solo
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Heavenly Father, We Beseech Thee:
for piano and vocal ensemble
by Amy Aberg McLelland

Ricketts Glenn (for piano trio and conga drums) - by Amy Aberg McLelland

Reality of Pure Fact (music by Amy Aberg McLelland; lyrics adapted from excerpts from Howard Zinn's "A People's History of the United States"):

Heavenly Father We Beseech You - for piano and voice - by Amy Aberg McLelland:

Paradise Ballade - a tribute to our insurance company, Nationwide, for replacing our piano after a flood (we live on a subdivision called Paradise):

Embrace the New Year - solo piano - by Amy Aberg McLelland:

Inspired by President Barack Obama's New Year's message. We are strong as a country! Citizens unite! God Bless The United States of America.

Planet Zulu, from preschool piano course by Amy Aberg McLelland, Piano Pioneers:

The Basis - inspired by .... well .... current politics:

Arrangements:

Blue Rondo by Dave Brubeck, Arr. for piano trio by Amy Aberg McLelland:

Saban Salsa, arrangement of "Yea Alabama" for salsa band by Amy Aberg McLelland:

Arrangement of "Yea Alabama" (University of Alabama Fight Song) for solo piano, by Amy Aberg McLelland:

Samba Meets Salsa, arrangement of Alabama and Auburn fight songs for piano trio and conga: