- Rocket (2001) string orchestra 4'
- Strings, harp
- Minnesota Orchestra Centennial Commission
- Premiere–2001, by the Minnesota Orchestra conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero, Mpls., MN.
Program Notes
Rocket was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra for its Adventures in Music concerts, a series for families. The title refers to the shape of the principal theme, a rocket figure that rises quickly in broken chords over a wide range. Such musical rockets were the trademark of the avant-garde orchestra of 18th c. Mannheim led by Stamitz. A second theme in stepwise motion, cloud music perhaps, is introduced by a solo sextet. And it's not too fanciful to imagine launches at the work's opening and close.