Miacomet Dreaming (2008) for orchestra is dedicated to Loretta Yoder and Kyle
Latshaw. The title refers to Miacomet, a region of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts.
This work is one of a variety of pieces deeply connected to the landscape of
Nantucket.
The inspiration for the work was an oil painting, Path to Miacomet (2006), by Loretta
Yoder; its fervency of color and landscape provided the poetic image that drives the
work. The music itself was worked out during a the early hours of darkness on the
actual beach of Miacomet. As the sun set, and darkness covered the landscape, only
the passionate sound of the surf remained.
The music is fervent and searching in tone. It begins with a roar before quieting down
to introduce its basic musical material—a simple “lament-like” theme in a folkinflected
style. This material is used for further explorations, building to passionate
climaxes. Finally, the opening music returns, but this time it is whispered. The
movement winds down to a distant and
