Serenade (2010)

My Serenade was written for the Musaica Chamber Ensemble, which is made up of members of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. It was first performed by Musiaca in November of 2010. Its slow movement is based on an organ piece that I had written some years earlier to commemorate the life of Bill Scaife, a dear friend of my wife’s and long-time member of a church choir that she directed for many years. The last movement, a lively rondo, is designed to feature each member of the ensemble in a moment of distinctive melodic writing. This is my largest chamber work in terms of ensemble size; it is written for four winds and five strings—a mixed Nonet.