September 6, 2024 | |
From The Album | |
"9/11 LOVE STORY" |
MY PAIN (Single)
This powerful piece encapsulates the profound sorrow and resilience associated with the tragic events of 9/11. A song lasting 9 minutes and 11 seconds allows for a more extensive and immersive emotional journey. It provides ample time to explore the depth of pain, sorrow, and reflection associated with the 9/11 attacks. The extended duration can help convey the magnitude of the tragedy and the enduring emotional scars left behind. The duration itself becomes a part of the artistic expression, adding layers of meaning to the composition. It transforms the song into a multidimensional piece of art that resonates on both a numerical and emotional level. Gladiee dedicated 9 month and 11 days from January 1st of 2016 till September 11th of 2016 to compose this piece. Below is an excerpt from Gladiee’s unfinished book, capturing the profound emotions he experienced during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
Excerpt from Gladiee’s unfinished Book “9/11 Love Story”:
“Windows on the World” opened its doors on April 19, 1976, as an exclusive private club nestled atop the North Tower of the World Trade Center. With 1,500 initial members, the club’s allure was tied directly to its prestigious location WTC tenants paid $360 annually, while those living outside the “port district” could join for just $50. In the early days, even non-members could experience the luxury of “Windows on the World” by paying $10 in dues and $3 per guest. It wasn’t long before the restaurant became a magnet for the city’s elite high-powered businessmen, influential politicians, and glamorous celebrities. Within its first year, the restaurant’s popularity skyrocketed, with reservations fully booked for six months in advance.
Perched on the 106th and 107th floors of the North Tower, “Windows on the World” wasn’t just a dining venue; it was an experience. With the capacity to host between 400 and 450 guests, it quickly earned a reputation as one of New York City’s most prestigious dining spots, offering unparalleled views of the city’s iconic skyline and beyond. The complex wasn’t limited to the main dining area it also housed intimate venues like the “Wild Blue” restaurant, the “Greatest Bar on Earth,” and various private dining rooms, each contributing to the overall grandeur of the establishment.
This made “Windows on the World” more than just a restaurant; it became a landmark, a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike, celebrated for its luxurious atmosphere and breathtaking panoramic views that left an indelible mark on anyone who visited.
Among the different spaces within the complex, Julia and Roman found their haven in “Wild Blue,” a cozy and intimate American restaurant with only 55 seats. This small, beloved spot offered a unique ambiance described by New York’s newspaper reviews as a place where, “When night falls, Wild Blue feels like a plush space capsule hurtling through the cosmos.” The allure of this setting, combined with its exclusivity, made it their favorite retreat.
On that fateful morning of September 11, 2001, at 8:46 AM, American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower, instantly transforming their cherished space into a site of devastation. Seventy-nine employees of “Windows on the World” lost their lives that day, marking one of the darkest moments in New York City’s history. The memory of “Windows on the World” and its iconic venues, like “Wild Blue,” remains etched in the hearts of those who experienced its beauty. It stands as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the vibrancy that once filled the skies above Manhattan.