Highland Suite

1996 (20 minutes)

An original suite in three movements which depict the lives and heritage of the Scots-Irish people in Southern Appalachia. Set in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, the composer uses harmonic and rhythmic elements of Scotland with original melodies. Any of the three movements may be played individually and all are well received by both classical and pops audiences.

A colorful, rhythmic reflection of their Scottish ancestry, highlighted by a bold brass fanfare

Highland Suite has been performed successfully at both classical and pops venues.

Excerpts from Highland Suite

i. Echoes from the Past (5 minutes, 40 seconds)

A colorful, rhythmic reflection of their Scottish ancestry, highlighted by a bold brass fanfare

ii. Appalachian Lament (5 minutes, 35 seconds)

A haunting nocturne for strings and solo horn.

iii. Celebration (8 minutes)

A gathering of fiddlers, singers and dancers on a foggy Saturday evening in a valley in Southern Appalachia. The music flows from dusk ’til dawn beginning with strains from the 18th century and continuing to the present. Each group is introduced by an ever varied Ritournello