Written in tribute to all mothers, but especially the composer’s mother Florilyn, who died at the age of 90 in 2008, each of the four movements in this grade 3 suite may be performed independently of the others with excellent results. Movement 1 is a plaintive waltz with lush romantic harmonies. Movement 2 is a comedic interpolation featuring portions of two etudes by Muzio Clementi and the “tick-tick” sound of the typewriter. Conflict, reconciliation, resolution, and acceptance is the conveyed essence of Movement 3. And with a reverent duet introduction, the final movement commemorates the end of Florilyn’s long life.

L'amour, mariage et famille - Clementi et la machine à écrire - Épreuve douloureuse - La paix éternelle