Nicky Sohn: Do You Remember?: I. September (Score Video)

Do You Remember? for piano and sinfonietta (2025) I. September Composer: Nicky Sohn Performer: Chelsea De Souza and Loop38 at premiere on November 21 2025 Program Note: One of the greatest joys of being a composer is writing for friends, and I feel especially fortunate that my closest friends are extraordinary musicians whose artistry I deeply admire. Among them is pianist Chelsea de Souza, my best friend for many years, with whom I have shared countless projects and an ever-growing musical bond. When we began imagining this piece together, it felt natural to create something that would capture the essence of our friendship: a journey through music we love and memories we hold dear. The music traces songs that have shaped our friendship: Earth, Wind & Fire’s September, recalling our first meeting in the fall; the songs of Tom Misch, which became the soundtrack to our drives through Houston; and Boyz II Men’s End of the Road, a karaoke favorite that now carries the bittersweet resonance of leaving Houston and closing one chapter of our lives together. As we grow older and live farther apart, I find myself beginning conversations with Chelsea with the words, “Do you remember?” Those words are proof of the many memories we’ve made—moments we want to hold close and never forget—and also a hope for all the memories yet to come. And, of course, they happen to open one of the most iconic pop songs ever written: Do you remember…?​ Revisiting these tales now as an adult has been surprising. As a child, I understood them in very black and white terms. There was a good side and a bad side, and someone always had to win. But with age, I have started to feel that life does not work like that. I used to love or hate things instantly. I was impatient and intolerant of complexity. Now I try to pause, to notice the other side, even if I do not always succeed. ​ More details: https://www.nickysohn.com/catalog/do-... Purchase music: https://justatheorypress.com/collecti...