Nostalgias (1991, rev. 1997)

Commissioned by the Kandinsky Trio. Three programmatic movements, professional level. "" and "Calamitous" about the torture of high school generally (turbulent, polyphonic, 9:00). Movements are somewhat interrelated. $20, including piano score, parts, and demo disk. Order here.

I. Cantankerous - moderate tempo, motoric, humorous, about 4:35. This reminisces about my first car, a '64 Ford van, a true rattletrap in which the gearshift once came off in my hand.  All of my early driving and, especially, repairing experiences took place in or under this vehicle. It was extremely noisy, seldom in tune, and had holes in the floor offering ample ventilation-- a good thing, considering the frequent exhaust leaks.  The engine was situated between the front seats, allowing the carburetor to be adjusted while driving, a frequent necessity.  The van played an important role in my early music career, being the principal mode of transport for my high school rock band.  

II. Cavernous - slow, lush and atmospheric, about 6:15. This is about an early teenage visit to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, a place of indescribable beauty and mystery. The experience of this incredible natural wonder struck a chord with my already considerable infatuation with science and the natural world. 

III. Calamitous evokes that omnipresent teenage sense of impending doom, the girlfriends, traffic accidents, questionable fashion choices, and generally complete lack of confidence in all of one's first attempts at adult behavior.  These and other certain disasters of late childhood are remembered now with amusement and not inconsiderable relief.  About 9:05.