Compositions -> Orchestral -> Dreams of Flying (2009)
Orchestra: 2222-4331-T+4-hp-pno-strings
Duration 9:00
Recording by the National Youth Orchestra of Canada
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Dreams of Flying is my first full orchestral work; it was also nominated for a 2010 JUNO award in the category of “Classical Composition of the Year”. My original programme note follows:
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As an alumnus of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, I was deeply honoured to be given the opportunity to write for the or- chestra, which I remember as a place where dreams are affirmed, realized and exceeded in one short and unforgettable summer. Being a musician at this stage of life – skilled, enthusiastic, and on the cusp of something thrilling and unknown – is a bit like being a young bird about to leave the nest. I remember dreaming that I could fly as a child, and spending many waking hours wishing the dream would come true; as an adult, my career in music has provided much of the same spirit of freedom and adventure that I re- member from those dreams. I dedicate this work to all young musicians who are pursuing their dreams and reaching new heights.
“Dreams of Flying”, a nine-minute orchestral tone poem, tells a literal story: A dreamer is startled to find himself high above the ground and gifted with the power of flight. Ecstatic, he swoops through clouds and flocks of birds, soaring over mountains, lakes, fields, cities, forests and oceans from a great height, gathering speed and energy. Then, as the music melts into a relaxed groove, he settles in at a lower altitude where landmarks are more familiar, the air is warmer, and he is joined by birds – or maybe other dreamers – who fly alongside. Then the sky turns red, and the dreamer real- izes he is flying directly into a brilliant sunrise. As the sun comes up, he awakens; the dream begins to fade from memory, portrayed by fragments of the music trailing away into silence.
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CONTACT ME to obtain score and parts.
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View Score
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Commissioned by the National Youth Orchestra of Canada with support from the Ontario Arts Council
Premiere: (Aug 2009) Alumni Hall, London ON
National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Alain Trudel, conductor
