Prayer Mosaic was written as a memorial piece for friend and composer Alastair Putt, who committed suicide on August 12, 2022. Alastair was kind, quick-witted, and wrote colorful and highly crafted music. It was through Alastair that I explored London, as he graciously allowed me to stay for an extended time at the “Putt Cottage,” his home just outside of London in Penge.
I had not been in recent close touch with Alastair, and was unaware of his struggle with mental illness. I was shocked by this sudden loss, which mirrored my own experience of fragility in the face of the pandemic and my struggle in being an artist.
Prayer Mosaic mourns the loss of Alastair. The piece is at turns singing, longing, and becomes increasingly agitated (through the use of microtonal harmony); it cries out, and finally resigns, saying goodbye, and drifts into the ether.