I was thinking about the best way I could imagine to honor all that is good in my declining father's complicated and colorful life. Some people give wonderful speeches, some play music, some write beautiful notes and messages, some find perfect words or the right touch in waning moments of togetherness. 'Dirge' is a modern interpretation of a funeral dance. Set to 'Nachtlied' by Robert Schumann, and arranged by Shinji Eshima. Commissioned and broadcast as part of Channel 4's Random Acts series.