Homecoming… (2005, 9′)
For Orchestra
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Team:
3 Flutes (3rd doubling Piccolo), 3 Oboes (3rd doubling English Horn), 3 B-flat Clarinets (3rd doubling E-flat Clarinet), Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoons, Contrabassoon, 4 Horns, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (3 players), Harp, Piano (doubling Celeste), Strings
Preface:
August 28th, 2004. I had just arrived at Boston’s Logan Airport, and I was on a shuttle bus going to the main terminal. At one stop, several women who worked for American Airlines boarded the shuttle bus. They were all very excited, chattering, laughing, and congratulating this one co-worker in particular. I could not understand what they were saying, as they all spoke in rapid-fire Spanish.
Eventually, I realize that one of the women had a son serving in Iraq. Her son just came back home to Boston, and was planning to surprise his parents later that day. That one moment of sheer excitement and joyousness is the impetus for Homecoming…, which is dedicated to my parents — because they have always welcomed me home.
Heard:
November 4th, 2005 Peabody Concert Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory of Music
July 8th, 2006 American Academy of Conducting at Aspen Orchestra, Aspen Music Festival and School (Reading)
January 31st, 2005 Peabody Symphony Orchestra, Peabody Conservatory of Music (Reading)