To Fly

Programme Notes

The composition of this piece, along with Do You Know Me?, was the result of a collaborative writing process with soprano Katya Tchoubar. Katya envisioned us composing neo-romantic crossover chamber music—not just simple, subtle instrumental accompaniments to a vocal line, but rather an orchestration where all instruments (including the voice) were treated as equals, each having something interesting to contribute within the piece.

I was very intrigued by this concept from a compositional standpoint, and I feel it was especially achieved in Do You Know Me?, where the piece goes through a number of mood changes. I really enjoyed not feeling limited in what I could ask the piano and strings to do in both pieces.

Composing these pieces was creatively gratifying because they reminded me of the power of music to touch the heart of the listener. In fact, since working with Katya, I’ve gone on to compose several other neo-romantic works that I’m very proud of.

I’m starting to conclude that the only two true motivators that drive me to compose are exploring either the beauty or the darkness in the souls of humans—after that, I guess there’s not much left, is there?

– Frank Horvat

Lyrics

Keep telling myself no reason to be waiting
Tomorrow will come so fast without delay
This river you call life will run forever through droughts and tides

To fly aah…
To fly aah…
Jump right in before it’s over
Before it’s over
To fly aah…

Da da da da…
To fly…

The moment is all you have so use it wisely
Surrender to the power of everlasting
And fly further higher
Along the river which you inspire

To fly aah…
To fly aah…
Jump right in before it’s over
Before it’s over
To fly aah…