Piano Prelude No. 13 (for right hand alone) Kim Phuc is known as “The Girl in the Photo” or “The Napalm Girl.” She was photographed in 1972 running naked on a road after being severely burned by napalm during the Vietnam War. The photo is a tragic reminder of how innocents suffer during wars. I was inspired to write my Piano Prelude No. 13 in Phuc’s honor when I read an article that said she was still receiving treatments for her burns. The article also said that Ms. Phuc had always wanted to play the piano, but because of her injuries, especially to her left hand, this was impossible. My work is written for right hand alone, and contrasts dissonant, aggressive ideas with more reflective and soothing sounds.
