I don't see stars where I'm from

Program Note: “'I don’t see stars where I’m from' reflects on moments during the summer of 2022 when I was in numerous places where stars could be seen. [...] I recalled my memories of stargazing as a child in Brooklyn, when the stars were actually visible. This made me look at how light pollution gradually obscures our ability to see stars as humans.

The work begins by depicting a still, peaceful scene at night with twinkling stars. The music then shifts to something shimmering with expectancy. Rhythmic, effervescent, vibrant music takes over leading to something elated, highly energetic, and vast. After this, a bittersweet, reflective, melancholic narrative takes over. Fragments of music from the beginning repeat while fading out. The work ends on a dark and pessimistic note with a sudden change in tonality and gradual movement to the piano’s low register.

When writing this piece, I thought about how artificial advances we make as humans may have a temporary advantage but long-lasting damage. Light pollution negatively affects wildlife, wastes energy, and diminishes our sense of the universe. As we listen, I hope we can think deeply about how we relate to and care for our earth." - Che Buford