In the world of music, inspiration often strikes in the most unexpected places. For composer and guitarist, Justin Morell, the source of inspiration for his work, All Without Words, was his nonverbal autistic son, Loren. When Loren was 14, Justin recorded his spontaneous vocalizations on his phone, which he later transcribed into a melody and theme that would weave throughout the work’s 12 variations. Justin says the theme reflects on his life with Loren, the struggles of learning how to connect with a child who has difficulty with the most basic aspects of communication, and the triumph of even the smallest successes.
Justin Morell, photographed by Henry Bortman and Loren Morell, 2019
A University of Oregon PhD graduate in composition, Justin found himself pausing during the composition process to appreciate the connection that was strengthening between him and Loren, who uses a picture-based system to communicate. “It was a gift,” he said. “What began as a mission to celebrate neurodiversity became an opportunity for me to connect with my son and hear his voice in a way I had not before. The music is born of intense emotion—sometimes painful and sometimes joyful—and of hope for a compassionate future where all people are loved and respected for their humanity.”
First recorded in an album, All Without Words evolved into a multidisciplinary performance presented by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in September. Musicians were joined by dancers onstage, and audience members could also enjoy a gallery exhibition of art inspired by the work. “To be a composer and have your music played by a brilliant orchestra and have all these people participate is a once in a lifetime experience,” Justin said.
Photography by Lyons Photography and JP Leong
As for Loren, who is now 18, it is hard to say whether he understands that the entire production was inspired by him, for him. “The hard part about it is that you don’t get to know,” Jennifer Taggart, Loren’s mother and Justin’s wife, said. “We just don't really know what he thinks because he can't tell us.”
Photography by Lyons Photography and JP Leong
The September concert was filmed as part of a documentary on the making of All Without Words, expanding its mission and reach. “I would hope that people who get to know the piece and the mission behind it take a moment to think about the fact that every person is an individual with value,” Justin said. “We all have our own stories. We all have our own issues, but that is just the experience of being human.” A release date for the documentary, produced by the Boundless Arts Foundation, is to be determined.
Justin’s journey with composition began when he was a young musician. “I got really interested in composition because it seemed to me to be the absolute height of musical expression,” he said. “I was infatuated with it.” His talent was nurtured by Drs. Robert Kyr and David Crumb during his PhD program at the SOMD. “I was working with some of the best faculty I could work with,” he said, reflecting on his challenging but meaningful studies in Eugene.
He found the program so beneficial that in his current role as Professor of Music at Lebanon Valley College, he often directs students to the University of Oregon. “I have had a handful of students that are interested in pursuing graduate studies in composition,” he said. “I always tell them, if you want the most complete education you can possibly get, and if you want to work really hard, Oregon a great place to go.”
At some point he would like to move back to Oregon, as he and his wife love the state and have family and friends who live here. “It's always been in our mind that we would love to end up back in Oregon,” he said. “It’s our favorite place to be!”
Read more about Justin and All Without Words.