Recently the composer Dennis Friesen-Carper, who is also a member of the Department of Music, director of our symphony orchestra, a pianist of dazzling craft and spirit, has joined with me in the creation of an oratorio. Actually, we spoke about this just a year ago, 2003. I began my writing in the spring; worked on the piece through five revisions in the summer and the early fall; and finished the thing just a little while ago. Dennis, this man of enormous heart and unquestionable probity, will compose its music this spring and summer. But I have thought of you, folks who may come to my writing studio during the time between. Here is the oratorio, a war oratorio entitled Rachel, Weeping for her Children.