Almosts (2025) - Ivy Wilson Kocher

Описание: Recorded by the composer, January 2026

"Almosts" is a set of eleven character pieces for solo piano composed from June to October 2025 and was premiered on November 23rd of that same year. Now, I have had the time to create a new, improved recording from the premiere, and I am so excited to share it with you all! The eleven pieces are as follows:

00:00 - 1. Prelude
02:07 - 2. Consolation
04:34 - 3. Canon
07:21 - 4. Galop
09:52 - 5. Toccata
12:50 - 6. Nocturne sensuel
18:51 - 7. Valse
21:30 - 8. Elegy for the Living
25:46 - 9. Triptych I: Lamentation
29:30 - 10. Triptych II: Marcia funebre
33:06 - 11. Triptych III: Postlude

"Almosts" does indeed have a program. Normally, I shy away from giving too specific of programs to my compositions, as I like for the audience to be able to form their own associations with the music without me putting it into a box for them. And in this case, the program is one that is meaningful to me, but not necessarily for everyone else, and I would not want that to become a barrier to others' enjoyment of this work. However, there are some details which I will disclose. "Almosts" is a love story, and a love story between two women, at that. Indeed, in times such as ours now, I believe stories centered around queer women are of paramount significance.
At the risk of over-explaining my thought process, I would also like to note that the tenth movement "Marcia funebre" does not literally mean that one of the two lovers has died (I do love tragedy, but I also want to shy away from the "kill your gays" trope). Rather, the music and the mood are merely reminiscent of a funeral march. The title "Almosts" reflects the many times that something could have been between the two, but wasn't. Though I do not believe we queer people have a monopoly on this idea, I do believe it is one that all of us can deeply relate to in the struggle to assert our authentic selves against the world.
But, maybe I'm just rambling now. Regardless, I hope you enjoy "Almosts," and no matter who you are or what you make of it, I hope it is impactful for you. Thank you for listening!

Ivy Wilson Kocher

Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...