Three Thoughts (Like a Hero) is unusual in that the three movements share a similar tempo. The music is not “heroic” in the usual (Eroica) manner. Rather, the concept for the piece is the presentation of three distinct, brief, contemplations, shared by two performers. This kind of heroism is based on thoughtfulness and listening. The titler comes from a quote by the American poet and novelist, May Sarton:
“...one must think like a hero to behave like a
merely decent human being.”
“...one must think like a hero to behave like a
merely decent human being.”