Dream World

for Narrator, Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon and Percussion - 20'
Commissioned by the New Jersey Chamber Music Society.
Premiered February 4, 1997.

Commissioned by the New Jersey Chamber Music Society, Dream World was premiered at the Jersey City Museum of Art on February 5, 1997 within an exhibit of paintings by the Salish Indian artist Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. Jaune's style of painting includes American Indian icons (such as a buffalo or a canoe) combined with mixed media and printed words that she finds funny, ironic, ignorant or serious.

These words, or series of words, are taken out of context and given new meaning within her painting designs and coloring. The result is that of powerful beauty and wonderful perception. In an attempt to fashion a musical statement inspired by her paintings, I read through several of Jaune's writings, poems and published interviews, and copied down words and statements which struck me for some reason or another. Then I grouped those chosen words and statements into smaller "poems" and designed orchestrations around them - the second movement being the most overt example.

The poem in the third movement, entitled Desire, is by the Creek Indian poet Joy Harjo, who is a good friend of Jaune. The tune heard throughout the work is an old Salish Indian love song. I wish to thank Jaune for encouraging me to try something I might not have otherwise done had I not had the conversations with her that I did. People move people.