In Quiet Joy

In Quiet Joy (2001) was written for First Methodist Church in Bellevue, Washington, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the church. The occasion suggested a celebratory piece, but rather than invoking loud fanfares, I decided that a “joyful burbling” would be a fitting way to mark the event. The piece also reflects the joy of music-making, which is both celebratory and renewing: some of us play, some of us sing, and we all listen. Much of the piece is active in texture, with a relaxation toward the end. I have tried to write something that invites us all into the musical experience.