Dream Vapors Suite – three movements for orchestra (collated 2018, 22:20)
I. Tracing a Dream
II. Reversing Mirrors in the Quiet
III. Of Time Remembered
Score available through Subito Music Distribution
Video features the 2022 World premiere by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Elias Brown.
Program note: The three movements of the Dream Vapors Suite are explorations into the impressionistic logic of emotions and dreams. Within this realm there is a fluidity of connections and sequences that is governed by emotional contexts, rather than rational order. With the shifting intangibility of perceptions and memories, unique juxtapositions arise, as in dreams. The “vapors” in the title refers to the residual emotions and imagery that can linger and resurface in life. – RW
Balancing on the Edge of Shadows
Recorded by violinist Audrey Wright and pianist Yundu Wang.
This work for violin and piano was commissioned by Audrey Wright in early 2020, and was beautifully recorded by Audrey and Yundu for the Navona Records release of Audrey’s album THINGS IN PAIRS.
The premiere music video features the exquisite performances of Audrey and Yundu, with sound-responsive lighting created for this project by Geoff Robertson.
An “encore” release of the recording is included on my new album PASSAGES THROUGH TIME.
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Program note: The times in which I live always seep into the music, so I write from those emotions, rather than conceptually. As I began writing this piece and followed through the journey into the music, it took on a life of its own within the emotional logic of the music. It evolved to be quite beautiful, mysterious, with delicate subtlety. There is also an element of suspense, as if balancing on an edge between dark and light – aware of an ominous potential of darkness. – RW
Shadows of the Wind
Program note: The inspiration for this work came to me one night while listening to the sounds of a windstorm, as the wind increased and diminished in cycles, the room was filled with the changing patterns cast by the movements of branches and leaves. It seemed to transform the room with a wash of mystery – as if from some higher perspective, with shadows of time moving in waves over a vast landscape below. – RW
Recorded by Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra | Stanislav Vavřínek, conductor; Ivo Fišer, cello.
Purchase Score through Subito Music Distribution. Purchase original CD release.
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Shredding Glass
Score available through Subito Music Distribution.
Re-Release 2016: Dream Vapors – selected works for orchestra, Navona Records
Original Release 2008: Masterworks of the New Era, Volume 12 – ERMMedia, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Ian Winstin, Conductor
Program note: Shredding Glass began as an immediate cathartic response to the events and images of September 11, 2001. It is a reverential work of compassion and spiritual healing that was composed in the shadow of 9/11. To me this piece represents the essence of an emotional remembrance – how time and timelessness unfolded while coping with the realization, heartbreak and impact of this catastrophic event. I believe the music is ultimately about transcendence. –RW