solo flute, solo marimba, 1 flute, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet, 1 bassoon, 2 alto saxophones, 1 tenor saxophone, 1 baritone saxophone, 
1 horn, 1 trumpet, 1 trombone, 1 tuba, piano

7:30

This piece is based on images of growing trees from literary and religious sources. The chamber ensemble is placed in an arc around the solo flute and marimba; the ensemble representing the bark of a tree and the soloists its branches. An atmospheric saxophone canon based on an arpeggiating theme opens the piece. The soloists enter when this arpeggiation reaches its peak, "branching off" into a complimentary, descending arpeggiation theme. The ascending arpeggiated motive is developed through longer and longer variations, each featuring a different part of the ensemble, with the soloists answering. As the piece builds to a climax, the arpeggiation motive is taken up by the entire ensemble as it begins to pan around the soloists. The slow opening canon idea returns, starting in the low register of the tuba and "growing" through the entire register of the ensemble to end the piece.

PREMIERE

Julianna Moore, flute

Michael Bump, marimba

members of the Truman State University Wind Symphony,

Dan Peterson, conductor

Truman State University New Music Festival

Oct. 25, 2007