Quartet in three parts for Clarinet, Violin, Cello and Piano

Background

Departure is inspired by the last known photograph of Elsa and Max Vorchheimer (brother and sister) on the day of their deportation from Gaukönigshofen, Germany, April 1942.   This photo shows Elsa looking directly at the camera with Max off to the side.   They are wearing formal clothes as if going on holiday, but their faces show fear and trepidation as they await the unknown.   Their parents, who were also deported that day, are not in the photo, implying they had already been separated.   Also absent is Ruben, Elsa’s 3-year-old son of whom virtually nothing is known.