The best things in life happen when you least expect them. A few years ago I was running my dog, Gina, in an AKC agility trial. I was wearing my Juilliard t-shirt, because it inspires my confidence (and it's super comfy).
Zach Gulaboff Davis was judging the jumpers with weaves course. I saw Zach during his break, and he asked me if I was a Juilliard graduate. Being the humble guy he is, he only casually mentioned he was a doctoral student in composition at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore.
I found some of his music online and listened. It was beautiful, lyrical, and his wide variety of music was being performed every week somewhere in the world, while he was also winning prestigious composition competitions.
A few months later, a tragic fall caused seven complicated fractures in my right hand. When he saw a photo of my right hand in a cast on Facebook, he asked if he could write piano music for me for left hand only. He seemed enthusiastic about this first time challenge. At the time, I also had full use of three fingers in my right hand, so I said, “Sure, but why don't you write the world's first piece for eight fingers?”
While there are over 800 compositions for left hand only, it's my understanding that Zach's Nocturne No. 2, written for me, is the first piano music for eight fingers. The first several times I played through it, I couldn't stop my tears. The Nocturne tells the very personal story of my tragic fall, severe hand injury, recovery, and my resilience during many major setbacks. I've performed it about a dozen times so far. There's rarely a dry eye in the audience. Click on the video below to hear a live performance of Zach's Nocturne for eight fingers.
This is the first composition ever written for me. I'm honored. Keep an eye and ear open for Zach's work. He's an up and coming composer that will someday be a household name.
Zach and I would love to know what you think of the Nocturne he wrote for me. Thanks for adding your feedback in a comment below.
This is fantastic, Lisa! I absolutely love all the dramatic transitions and contrasting elements. It really does an excellent job of portraying the emotions. And, I would never have known that this composition was played with a limited number of fingers. Great job!
Thanks so much Daniel. Good to know all the emotions I felt were conveyed to listeners.
What a journey! I have chills! Beautifully composed. Beautifully played.
Thanks Linda. And keep those “Lisa Fingers” stretches going during your yoga classes. Now I have a composition and a yoga stretch created for me. 🙏
…from broken to whole, how devastation is transmuted into inspiration.
As with the very best artistic expression, the encapsulation of life’s most traumatic moments through music transcends language itself. Let this provide a soulful reminder that we can rise from life’s greatest challenges anew, redefined, and repurposed.
You are so poetic with your beautiful written words. Thanks Jerry.
What a beautiful piece of music and inspiring story!
So glad you enjoyed it Alison.
WOW. I was all smiles, and then tears, just listening to the story you tell here. And then wow, to have your beautiful gift of magic on the piano, to reach deep in my heart and soul to share something so profound, I am full of gratitude. Thank you.
And I am full of gratitude reading your beautiful comment Teresa. I’m honored. Thank you!
Lisa, you are so amazingly talented! Thank you for sharing this beautiful, emotional piece. Half Moon Bay and all who know you, we are so blessed by your continued dedication to sharing your soul through music. Dr. Jo
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words Dr. Jo. I feel blessed to share my music talents with such an appreciative following.