“There can only be a few great composers but there can be many sincere composers.”

The utterer of these comforting words was the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. I paid him homage in my work for cello & piano, “A Hero’s Prayer,” by trying to emulate his use of modal harmonies, the influence of folk songs and hymns, a touch of the mysticism of his Tallis Fantasia and the sincerity evinced in everything he wrote.

The title begs the question, “For what, pray, does a hero pray?”

Lower taxes? the easing of environmental regulations? a larger Defense budget? perpetual maintenance of the status quo? widespread recognition of a self-announced greatness?

Heroes pray for peace and justice, for the relief of those who suffer poverty, hunger and imprisonment and for the good health of all. Heroes pray that what they say and do may be sincere and consistent. Heroes ask forgiveness for failures of will and gives thanks for the endless flow of blessings.

To hear cellist Teresa Villani and pianist Carol Alexander performing "A Hero’s Prayer,” click on the link above.

To see a PDF of the score, click on the link above.