OTHO
"Otho" for Solo Cello - Composed and performed by Zack Reaves
In the early 2010’s, my father Michael Reaves began showing signs of a neurological disorder and was eventually diagnosed in 2015 with Lewy Body Dementia--a brutal progressive neurological disease that not only affects memory, but also cognitive functions. In addition, it is also common for victims of this disease to hallucinate and question their own reality. My father had been the longtime Principal 2nd Violinist of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, but was forced to retire in 2016 due to the effects of this horrible disease. Within months of his retirement, he entirely lost the ability to play the instrument he had played since he was a small child.
This piece begins in mystery and suspended time as a way to try to illustrate how my father might have felt while trying to process these hallucinations and a perceived alternate reality, as well as the uncertainty and sorrow expressed among my family. Gradually the piece transitions into a celebration of his wonderful life, with particular appreciation for his kind nature and strong character. The final bar is full of conflict: strong harmony in the B-major interval of the lower strings, but uncertainty about life beyond expressed in the left-hand pizzicato of the upper strings.
The work was completed just two weeks before my father passed away. I was fortunate to be able to perform it for him in his final days.
The title “Otho” comes from his middle name, Michael Otho Reaves, which he shared with my grandfather William Otho Reaves, who I never had the privilege of knowing due to his passing long before I was born. This piece is my way of honoring them both.
Sheet music is available at:
https://www.zackreaves.com/product-page/otho-for-solo-cello
Videography by Joseph Yun
