Mason: She Dreams of Flying

Description

She Dreams of Flying is my tribute to the inspirational and amazing women in my life, many of whom have played a significant part in my musical and personal development, and is dedicated to the phenomenal Maestra Carolyn Kuan, with whom I had a very successful and fruitful musical partnership for a season at the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

The composition begins with an offstage trumpet motif over a soft string pad — a theme that persists in being heard by showing up throughout the piece in different forms, usually more prominent each time. From the beginning, the work builds, along the way showcasing the strengths and virtuosity of the orchestra. As the music becomes more inspired, the ideas get more complex, with the theme becoming more and more part of the texture until it is stated in full near the end.

— Quinn Mason

Instrumentation: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, percussion (suspended cymbal, triangle, tam-tam, bass drum, chimes), harp, strings