e pluribus unum (Hope Like Gold)

"e pluribus unum (Hope Like Gold)" reflects on the hope of democracy: that an educated population (the many) would make wise decisions for the betterment of humanity (the one). The music oscillates between dramatic unisons and shimmering poly-chords, sometimes interrupted by gestures of sighing and heaving. Hope and gold alternate—one seemingly solid, one shimmering harmonically—until their roles reverse in a cascade of questions. Which is gleaming more brightly? Which is truly golden? Which is more valuable? Which will last? Andrea Thoenes's stunning text reminds us with all poetic subtlety that any promise for tomorrow is but fool's gold; the music echoes this premise. Let the combination expose our corporate vulnerability, discomfort, and even fear. In such honest spaces, we are able to move on from "hoping" for better days, instead acting to make better days a reality.