In the second movement titled 'Hadrian's Wall', Sergio Assad evokes the Roman essence with a sound reminiscent of a Ben Hur soundtrack, incorporating elements that imitate bagpipe music.

I commissioned Sergio Assad to write a piece titled 'The Walls' for solo guitar and guitar orchestra, which portrays four historic barriers: the Great Wall of China, Hadrian's Wall, the Berlin Wall, and the Israeli West Bank Barrier.

Sergio Assad's composition reflects the role of the artist in expressing feelings about the current international political environment through music, allowing for a nuanced exploration of complex issues without taking a definitive side.

The fourth movement, 'West Bank Wall', features an evocative Arabic theme and incorporates Jewish melodies, highlighting the complex cultural narratives surrounding the wall.

Sergio Assad's compositions often blend various cultural influences, showcasing a unique style that is not strictly tied to a specific genre or location.

The first movement of 'The Walls' represents the Great Wall of China, while the second movement depicts Hadrian's Wall, the third movement illustrates the Berlin Wall, and the fourth movement focuses on the West Bank Wall in Jerusalem.

The final movement, 'No More Walls', expresses a hopeful message against division, incorporating Mexican folk music and a performance aspect where orchestra members form a human wall.

Sergio Assad immerses himself in the cultural context of his compositions, studying traditional music and instruments, such as the PIPA, to authentically capture their essence in his work.

The music of 'The Walls' allows for emotional expression and interpretation, creating a space for listeners to engage with the themes of division and unity without explicit political statements.