Night Scenes

Night Scenes was commissioned by the Fisher-Oliphant Duo with funds from the Ontario Arts Council. Unfortunately, they split up before performing the piece and I had to wait five years for the premiere! Since then, it has been performed numerous times by professionals and students. Like other pieces written in the early 1980’s, it is extremely accessible. The first two movements in particular are almost minimal—very lyrical and very diatonic, while the last is more challenging, both technically and musically.

Night Scenes was premiered on February 15, 1987 by Robert Riseling and Marion Miller-Wasse at the Recital Hall, Music Department, University of Western Ontario. The recording below is from that performance.