During the premiere of New York Etudes Vol. II, I was unsure of what to expect. The venue was quaintly tucked away in the basement.

Although I knew little about Jeff Beal at the time, I quickly realized I was familiar with his work. An acclaimed composer and jazz musician, Beal boasts five Emmy Awards, one of which was for the political drama House of Cards. Since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2007, he has continuously inspired others with his artistry.

MS is a chronic illness where the immune system attacks the protective nerves, leading to symptoms like muscle spasms and blurred vision. Many of Beal’s lesions impact the corpus callosum, a vital area of the brain responsible for transmitting signals between hemispheres, an essential function for music performance.

On March 26, he debuted his album at the Intercession Church in NYC, coinciding with MS Awareness Month. The candlelight performance was organized by Death of Classical, an organization dedicated to performing classical works in unique and atmospheric venues.

Before his captivating piano performance, Beal expressed gratitude for music’s role in managing his MS. He believes that engaging with music and maintaining an active lifestyle may have slowed the progression of his condition, inspiring him to push creative boundaries, particularly in the album’s challenging piece, New Leaves.

This poignant album captures the essence of life and loss. Many compositions were inspired by his mother’s passing, resonating with my own experiences of loss. When he performed the emotionally charged Last Breath, I was transported back to my farewell with my grandmother earlier this year.

Beal’s music transformed the intimate space, evoking deep emotions. As the final note resonated in the church, I was not alone in shedding tears.