This
work is dedicated to the memory of Wendy Maraniss (6/27/'55 - 11/16/'97).
She was a top-level pianist, tireless supporter of new music and an
extremely dedicated teacher. She died in a tragic car accident, sliding
into traffic on a patch of black ice when driving from her home in
Ithaca, NY to teach a student at Hobart and William Smith Colleges
on a Sunday. She was a friend of mine and a core-member of my presenting
ensemble CHIRON Performing Arts. Afer her death I discovered
that she had written a tome of small piano pieces for children. I
offered to help organize them and at that time composed ‘response’
pieces. SPIRIT is an orchestration of these original pieces which
have touches of Wendy's music imbedded in them. Her name is stated
in the music as well. The movements are Spirit, Cool Gust, Beautiful
Dream (with her name at end), Something Good, Ostinato, Spirit2, and
Contrary Dance.