Shelby Lock’s “A Matter of Time: Perseverancia” is a deeply emotional piece about persevering when life is too difficult. The piece has a personal connection that enhances the message of perseverance. It was in 2019 that Lock started composing her original solo piano work, at the time of a big life change.
It takes this close-up piano work and makes it more full-bodied with piano and string orchestra. Under the direction of conductor-producer Raniero Palm and with the Venezuela Strings Recording Ensemble, Lock extends the emotional range of the piece at the same time retaining the piano as its core instrument.
The music evolves in a way that is subtle and mysterious. Instead of singing, Lock communicates emotions of struggle, hope and determination through the piano and strings. The composition slowly builds up to a feeling of movement, as if the music is fighting against all odds to move forward.
The word ‘Perseverancia’ – which translates to perseverance – is an apt title for this piece. It’s not just a song about tough times, it feels like a song about how brave you must be to keep going when you don’t know what’s next.
The expressive piano and cinematographic strings spell out a beautiful and heartfelt sound to “A Matter of Time: Perseverancia”. It is a reminder that sometimes things will take a long time to improve, but it’s still a progress to make them better.
