José Martí was a Cuban poet, essayist, translator, professor, and, above all, the National Hero of Cuba. His life, deeply studied by many, has served as a reminder of the tragedies of war. I was not too familiar with the life and works of Jose Martí until I dug into his life this past Spring.

The poem “Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca” is from his collection of Versos Sencillos, and its overall message speaks about the value of friendship and the importance of cultivating pure and genuine love. While setting the poem, I imagined the symbolism of the white rose and the power behind it. Martí uses the white rose as a token and symbol of friendship and humility, and he aspires to develop this all the time to show the labor of love to everyone - to a true friend and even those who betray him.

Inspired by the poem, this Una Rosa Blanca is a musical exaltation of friendship that lies in frankness, honesty, forgiveness, and the importance of building relationships with others. I hope that this composition and the poem may also serve as a reminder that even in such divisiveness, there is still hope that humanity will continue not to hold resentment but continue a path of friendship and love.