A Mountain of Tears is a deeply poignant tribute to artist Deborah Franciose's cousins and their daughter, Emily, who was tragically lost to an avalanche while skiing in the Swiss Alps on March 21, 2023. The album is dedicated not only to Emily but to all children taken too soon, as well as to the families left heartbroken by their loss. Each composition conveys the overwhelming love parents feel for their children and the unbearable grief of losing them.
"Music has always shaped my life. Piano is my refuge, my prayer, my joy, my sorrow," Deborah reflects. “Although I never sought fame or fortune, my love for the piano has driven me to create. I’ve recorded eight albums, most of them original works, with my earlier albums featuring beloved movie themes like Beauty and the Beast and Out of Africa.
“My journey has been enriched by encounters with remarkable musicians and guided by the wisdom of outstanding teachers. I’ve performed at venues of all sizes, from intimate lounges to megacomplexes like Foxwoods and even the iconic Regattabar in Cambridge. It was in those creative spaces that I had the privilege to meet artists such as Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet and the legendary composer John Williams. Their encouragement nurtured my passion, drawing me back to the piano again and again.”
Deborah’s albums are deeply personal expressions of her life’s journey. Gypsy Heart is dedicated to her father, who always called her his "gypsy." Can't Stop It Now honors a dear friend who tragically took his own life, leaving many broken hearts in his wake. In the aftermath of this loss, Deborah once again turned to music for solace and inspiration. All Roads Lead Me Here is a tribute to her parents, with the title nodding to the universal spirit of life’s journey. The album features the brilliant Michael Monaghan on saxophone, adding a haunting depth to her compositions.
Deborah’s caregiving years, particularly as she supported her parents in their later years, became a wellspring of creativity and inspiration. The performance of Remember Me (the title track of her album by the same name) at her son’s school led to creating the album, Come Into My Dream, a collection of children's songs inspired by the students and teachers there. This album celebrates the curiosity and aspirations of youth, while fostering joy and a desire to grow and learn. Another work, Alive Always, reflects her ongoing resilience and determination to rise to life’s challenges.
However, A Mountain of Tears is perhaps her most personal and emotional work. Initially composed as a prayer for Emily, the album evolved into a tribute to the power of hope amidst grief. Deborah expresses her heartache for her cousins and their unimaginable loss in this collection of 10 solo pieces. After Emily’s body was found in what Deborah feels as a divine paradox on Father’s Day, 2023, the album became a symbol of both grief and hope.
A Mountain of Tears was released on August 26th, which would have been Emily’s 20th birthday.