Standing Watch – A Tribute to the Gates of Florence

In Florence, history weaves through everyday life, and few symbols embody this more than le porte, the city’s medieval gates. Constructed between 1284 and 1334, these towering sentinels remain as steadfast guardians, bridging the past and present.

Concept Development (2nd of 10)

The idea for Standing Watch came during a walk near Porta alla Croce. Seeing this ancient structure amidst the modern city sparked a mix of astonishment and reverence. Initially, I struggled to find a musical expression for the gates. Early attempts leaned toward bold, assertive motifs, but they lacked the quiet dignity I sought.

By viewing le porte as silent witnesses rather than relics, I shifted the focus to their enduring role in Florence’s story. This perspective helped me approach the gates as guardians—monuments of strength and subtlety.

Composing the Piece (1st of 10)

Standing Watch was the most difficult piece to compose for Portraits of Florence. The final structure balances strength and subtlety:

• A: Vertical, understated statements introduce the gates.

• B: Flowing motifs reflect centuries of change under their gaze.

• A: A restatement emphasizes their enduring presence.

This form allowed the gates to speak with quiet power, capturing their role as bridges between history and modernity.

Final Thoughts

Each time I pass beneath one of le porte, I am reminded of the history that unfolded under their watch. Through Standing Watch, I hope to convey a sense of gratitude for these guardians of Florence—a quiet, steadfast presence that continues to inspire awe.