Lullaby in G (Original Accordion and Violin Duet)
38Filmed at Buttermilk Falls, Ithaca, NY.
Notes from violinist and co-composer @ZeldaLassing:
This piece and this recording has become an important milestone in my life as it bookends a difficult journey through ulnar nerve aggravation (aka cubital tunnel syndrome). "Lullaby" was first created through an improv session early in 2023 which Flake and I refined into this final version, but just a month later, I overstretched my hand playing the violin and aggravated my ulnar nerve.
This led to an 18 month difficult battle riddled with weeks that I couldn't play violin at all because of pain and weakness, and days I couldn't get out of bed because of hopelessness. But despite the overwhelming feeling of defeat, I pushed to take the opportunity to step back and breathe, to take care of my mental and physical health, and learn to listen to music differently to understand that music is a part of life; it's in all of us, and our instruments are the means to radiate the music within. And finally, after much self care and physical therapy, I've been able to return to playing.
After 18 months, finally being able to record this song and this video is a triumph for me. The glowing sun Flake and I were able to capture in this video reminds me of this new beginning of my playing, a new path of loving music. 'I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I have ended up where I needed to be.'