Let Your Heart Be Broken
Tina Davidson: An American Composer
Tina Davidson is an accomplished composer. Over her forty-five-year career, Tina has been commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra, OperaDelaware, Roanoke Symphony, VocalEssence, Kronos Quartet, Cassatt Quartet, and more.
Tina’s book Let Your Heart Be Broken is a deep and moving look at the forces that shaped her life and her music. Tina has an artist’s ability to see music in a way that, for me, opened my eyes to the magic that underlies the art of composition.
Contemplating her decades of achievement, Tina notes:
“I am struck by music’s linear process, where duration is the great ingredient. Unlike visual art, music cannot be experienced all at once. Instead, it moves through time.
As we listen, we construct the hole in our mind through memory, like a transparent ghost. Music moves our hearts with its lack of tangible substance.”
The path to a musical career was perhaps a fait accompli, but that didn’t necessarily make for an easy ride. Tina reflects upon one of her Bennington College professors:
“He sat rumpled in the chair, his right index finger raised. You must always dare to make a fool of yourself. And then you’ll be able to do things you never dreamed you could do.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Learn to be embarrassed.”
Tina’s story is as astonishing, heart felt and remarkable as her career. Come join us.