Our feelings about the past and our view of the future play a major role in the choices we make. But what happens when reality and the narrative do not align? Misinformation can lead to misunderstandings and, in extreme cases, even to war and violence. For the time being, war and peace remain constants in our history. Even today, many people are forced to flee due to war and must find a ‘home’ in a safer place.
We cannot undo what has happened. The only thing we can do is control our attitude toward the here and now. This realization was shared by the Greek Seikilos (1st/2nd century) when he had a song engraved on his wife’s tombstone. The lyrics are simple but powerful:

As long as you live, be the sunshine.
Do not grieve too much.
Life is short, after all,
Time takes its toll.

In the composition, the ancient melody of Seikilos’ song appears in different forms. Sometimes the melody sounds light, sometimes dark, and each variation offers a different perspective on the original song. This creates a musical journey through time, showing how our view of the past and future can shift—and, most importantly, how it takes shape in the present moment.

For the Time Being was commissioned by Fanfare Excelsior Grijpskerk (conducted by Andries de Haan). The composition premiered during a concert held in honor and remembrance of the women who, in 1945, took part in the women’s march from Camp Westerbork.