I have always loved to watch the sky. This piece is about the fading light at dusk and the magical opening up of the sky at night. The prelude is scored for alto flute, harp and cello and is meant to convey a grounded, earthly feel. The prelude ends with the first star (illustrated with a harp harmonic). The fantasy takes off into the cavern that opens up when the sun goes down. As our eyes adjust to the dark, we are able to see more and more. The piece ends with the morning star—again illustrated by harmonics in the harp.

Commissioned by Eliot T. Bailen for the Sherman Chamber Ensemble
Premiered 1993 by the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, Sherman, CT