Description

The Missing Nail at the River

for piano and toypiano (2003/2004)

 

Shall we gather at the river
Where bright angel feet have trod,
with its crystal tide for ever
flowing by the throne of God?

When I visited the birthhouse
of Charles Ives in Danbury
some years ago
it was under construction
to be renovated.
I just walked in
and found myself in his children room
in the midst of the renovators workingtools.

When I left the house,
there was an old nail
with a flat head laying around
on the front porch.
It was not of use anymore,
being replaced by new ones,
I assumed…
So I took it.

Yes we’ll gather at the river,
the beautiful, the beautiful river,
Yes we’ll gather at the river
that flows by the throne of God.