Performed by the University of Colorado Wind Symphony under the baton of Allan McMurray with the composer at the piano:

Click here to listen to: I. Renée’s Reply
Click here to listen to: Floyd’s Fantastic Five-Alarm Foxy Frolic

All materials for this work are currently available from the composer.

Piccolo
4 Flutes
2 Oboes
4 Clarinets B-flat
Bass Clarinet B-flat (with low C)
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon
Soprano Saxophone B-flat
Alto Saxophone E-flat
Tenor Saxophone B-flat
Baritone Saxophone E-flat

3 Trumpets B-flat
4 Horns F
2 Tenor Trombones
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba

PIANO

Contrabass
Timpani
3 Percussion Players

RICHARD AND RENÉE (2009) is a gift to two friends of mine, Renée Kershaw and Dick Floyd.  Contrary to possible assumption, these friends of mine are not a married couple nor do they even live in the same state.  I met Renée a few years back when she was a clarinet student at the University of Colorado (and subsequently a student in one of my instrumentation classes).  My great friend Erik Johnson introduced us about two years before they became engaged.  I was fortunate to witness their engagement firsthand in Positano, Italy during their visit to spend time with me in the summer of 2009.

I. RENÉE’S REPLY is a musical portrait of our time together during their two weeks with me in Italy.  The music strives for a poignancy inspired by this new event in their relationship accompanied by a backdrop so beautiful it defies words.  A writer/composer (anyone, for that matter) cannot live on the Amalfi Coast and remain unchanged, unmarked.

II. FLOYD’S FANTASTIC FIVE-ALARM FOXY FROLIC is a ridiculous title.  The generosity Dick Floyd has shown by shepherding me through a couple last-minute commissions makes him a hero of mine.  My respect for Dick and all he has achieved in this profession is insurmountable.  This joyous ragtime two-step has a lot of fun driving to the final bars… the last moment in the piece is over the top!