Duration: ca. 10’

Commissioned By: Jillian Kouzel, Oboe

Premiere Performance: October 1, 2024. Jillian Kouzel, Oboe; Lu Witzig, piano

Program Note: Social Media frequently celebrates “Loud Triumphs” such as graduating, relationship milestones, impressive accomplishments, or looking fabulous at a photo shoot. But I have found that the greatest victories in my own life are the ones that no one sees. They are the days when I wake up with joy rather than hopelessness The days where I say “no” to escaping pain with my coping-mechanisms-of-choice and endure it patiently with Jesus. The days where I call a friend for help rather than silently suffer.

Winning these daily, minuscule mental battles seems inconsequential in the moment, but gradually produces a harvest of dependable, resilient character that shines brightly for the world to see. I take great delight in watching how God shapes my character over time, knowing that that strength I have acquired will be there for the future.

“Quiet Triumph” traces the arc of maturing. In the beginning, our protagonist is optimistic, naïve, hardworking, and enjoying pleasant life circumstances that, while perhaps unpredictable, all feel very adventurous and worthwhile. Eventually, the pleasant circumstances abruptly end and the clouds roll in, represented by an unrelenting piano pattern. With this change comes difficult emotions to grapple with: confusion, despair, and anxiety. The protagonist eventually finds strength in remembering their identity, represented by the emerging beginning theme. This theme we return to is familiar, but transformed. The protagonist transitions from relying on fickle happiness to finding dependable joy. There is no fanfare with this shift of perspective, only quiet, but very real, strength.