FROM THE AIR (2000) chamber orchestra, 10 min.
instrumentation: 2,1 2 2 2; 4331; timp, perc, hp; stgs

From the Air was inspired by the idea of looking down on the earth from above, a sense of hovering. This image was the inspiration for the opening adagio, in the style of an aria, which not coincidentally, is Italian for "air." As the introductory section gradually accelerates into a scherzo that includes two short trios, the piece moves beyond its initial inspiration and takes on a life of its own. I am often asked where inspiration comes from; I believe there is something about the creative process that is mysterious or "from the air."

From the Air was commissioned by the Santa Rosa Symphony while I was composer-in-residence there.

Listen to a sample.