BLUE RIDGE AIRS II
(1992) flute and orchestra, 23 min.
instrumentation: fl2 2,eh 2,bs cl 2; 4 2 3 0; timp, perc, hp; stgs

Blue Ridge Airs II, for flute and orchestra, is part of a series of works using elements of traditional Southern folk music. Woven into the composition are ballads, hymn tunes and strains of old-time fiddling that survive in the Blue Ridge Mountains near my home. The drone of the Appalachian dulcimer and the songs of birds from the Southern mountains are also part of the texture. Toward the end of the piece are references to the most ancient music of the region. Blue Ridge Airs II is meant to evoke a place, its shifting light and color and resounding views.

Listen to a sample.