Curtis Stewart - Ra'Sah: Dance Canons for Yia Yia and Mom

For Violin & Piano

My mother and grandmother (Yia Yia) were always arguing, always dancing, always in loving dialogue. Both of Greek ethnicity, one was born in Warsw, Poland and the other Alexandria, Egypt. I imagine them both holding hands, sometimes gently, sometimes sternly - singing their songs, and taking breaks to sit around the coffee table, going back and forth in canon. I imagine them sparking new connections in heavenly debate.

Dancing, dancing, dancing.

Inspired by our shared Egyptian heritage, the music of my mother Elektra Kurtis, the legendary 1001 nights by Egyptian singer Uhm Kulthum, and our trips to Warsaw to see Yia Yia - "Curtis, are you happy? That’s most important" - were the last words she spoke to me.

Commissioned by the Tekalli Duo.