Tenderness is a study in sound. Though imperceptible, immaterial and ephemeral, tenderness provides sustenance for all humankind. We all need tenderness - yet many never receive it. Alternating in the work are different jingling and gossamer textures that gradually converge into timbral clouds before finally dispersing in a down-to-earth hymn. I wrote the piece for the Fifth International Maj Lind Piano Competition 2022, with our smallest baby boy in my lap. -Outi Tarkiainen