Program Note for Tributaries (1984)
When I was asked to contribute a new work to tonights program I was immediately struck by the realization that I was sharing the bill with three composers (Copland, Druckman, Stravinski) who have been very influential on the nature of, and inspiration for my music. That Mr. Druckman was to conduct made this point stronger. I have long been a student of his work, and his friendship and encouragement over the past ten years have been paramount to my developement as a composer. So it is with a great sence of humility, and deep affection that I dedicate this series of short homages to him.
I have always thought of my style as a synthesis of many musics, so while the work of the aforementioned composers has always influenced my work, it has not been directly perceivable. In these three works I am atempting to embrace their influence more directly and exclusively, perhaps not syntactically, but certainly in spirit.