Long Distance

with Piano

Long Distance was commissioned by Dr. Kevin Sanders (Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, University of Memphis) in 2012. I was contacted by Dr. Sanders after he described a positive experience with the solo piece Nite Flight; he enjoyed the piece to a high degree and was interested in commissioning a new work for his debut solo CD, which will be released in early 2014.

The piece was inspired by the feelings that accompany a long distance relationship – be it from family, close friends, or a significant other. The overall theme attempts to capture the occasional sadness and reflection that often visits us when separated from these relationships, especially over time. The second theme, however, demonstrates our ability to remember the great things about the people we are separated from, and our excitement in getting together with them again. “Long Distance” proceeds to revisit the original theme, albeit with a more hopeful, optimistic tone.