Seven Days - Gregory Spears 1.0.2

SEVEN DAYS is a composition written for solo piano, consisting of 21 movements, with each movement lasting between three to eight minutes. The recommended listening approach suggests absorbing three movements daily over a week-long period. This structured schedule proposes engaging with one movement in the morning, another in the afternoon, and the final one in the evening. The performance features Pedja Muzijevic on piano, complemented by artwork provided by Gloria Maximo.

The intention behind SEVEN DAYS is to offer a mindful experience that encourages an awareness of time's passage, fostering a connection to both the present moment and to the weekly cycle. This thoughtful auditory journey strives to integrate music into our daily routines, allowing it to intersect with our worldly presence. Through its morning, afternoon, and evening segments, the piece aims to center participants on the transition from daybreak to nightfall while establishing a collective ritual of listening. Moreover, it serves as an exploration of extended musical form, spotlighting the gradual development of musical themes throughout a week interspersed with significant pauses.

SEVEN DAYS was influenced by a period of prolonged seclusion. It emerges as an artistic creation birthed from a year characterized by isolation, seeking to preserve elements of that contemplative existence as we progress forward. The composition draws inspiration from the creative endeavors of Morton Feldman and Chantal Akerman, whose expansive works delve into concepts of time, process, and tranquility. Their artistry took on newfound significance during the tranquil interludes of 2020. Additionally, a notable thematic exploration on time by philosophical figures such as Henry David Thoreau and Thomas Merton resonates within the piece. These profound undertakings are further enhanced by Gloria Maximo's captivating visual contributions.

SEVEN DAYS invites participants to actively engage with its essence – employing music as a conduit to focus attention on the present moment, the ordinary occurrences of everyday life, and seemingly trivial experiences. Listeners are encouraged to immerse themselves in this multi-faceted creation as it unfurls gradually over a week rather than experiencing it live. Central figures in this audio-visual narrative are time itself alongside each listener’s immediate environment, taking center stage alongside music and art in a profound nonverbal narrative.