Paul Moravec’s Songs of Love and War: Dearest Rowland

American composer Paul Moravec got the inspiration for his Songs of Love and War after seeing New York City’s Vietnam Memorial. Starting with Vietnam, each movement goes further back in time, tracing the suffering that war has imposed on almost every generation. The second movement, “Dearest Rowland,” speaks most directly to our present moment. For the past year, we too have had to live separated from those dearest to us, fearing for their health and safety, relying on imperfect means to express our love and care. It feels fitting to end this series with a song that has grown even more meaningful over the last year.