- Waterways (1986) solo flute, solo cello, strings 25'
- Commissioned by the Rochester Chamber Orchestra
- Solo flute, solo cello, strings
- Premiere—1986, by John and Christine Thomas, with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra conducted by David Fetler, Rochester, NY.
Program Note
Waterways was composed during the summer of 1986 on commission from the Rochester Chamber Orchestra and its conductor, David Fetler. David wanted to feature my father, John Thomas, the orchestra's principal flute, and my sister, Christine, a cellist. Waterways is not really a duo-concerto; the element of conflict between solo and ensemble is secondary. David suggested that the work be based on the three major waterways-canal, river, lake-which surround Rochester, NY. I chose rather to focus on moods-meandering, flowing, shifting. Near the opening of the middle movement, solo instruments introduce a four-note motto-theme: G-E-E-flat-B-flat, a music symbol of Genesee (G-E-(n)Es-Se), which becomes the subject of variation.