For some reason, I seem to keep writing music about dreams. There has been much scientific research about people having vivid dreams as a result of quarantining. This work, in five movements, is essentially a “dream sequence”. The first movement presents later ideas of the piece in fractured form, the muted strings “practicing”their later figuration; this gives way to a rocking lullaby. The second movement,“Nightmare I”, is steady and tense; the third movement is a tender lullaby and a nod to Ravel. The fourth movement is a more frozen, stricken nightmare. Finally,“Afterword” is an extended version of a previous work written for two violins and piano. This expansive movement opens with the same chords as the very opening of the piece; I try to evoke a sense of timelessness while also capturing the sweetness and poignancy of sleep. This work is dedicated to my sister Bethany and my brother-in-law, Anthony.
-Chris Rogerson, Summer 2020
Review from the Santa Fe premiere here: https://www.santafenewmexican.com/pasatiempo/music/a-local-plum-with-colorado-roots/article_b7334658-3675-11ec-bd2a-ff25370a3947.html
