Nancy Ping Robbins, The News and Observer, June 30, 1992. This was music remarkably easy on the ear, but with absolutely nothing slight about it. Guest artist James Houlik on saxophone was excellent, and the orchestra seemed to enjoy this new breed of chamber music immensely. It begins with an anthem of great beauty that sings the praises of Massachusetts. The tunes are simple, dignified and frequently moving.
Accompaniments are in keeping with the texts.
The cycle gives the impression of being a backward glance at a more lyrical time. The performance was a big success all around and was warmly received. John Lambert, Spectator, September 28, 1995. This single-movement work is a festive piece scored for piano, alto saxophone and orchestra. Written in a quassi duo-concertante mode which carefully integrates the soloists with the ensemble, the music is uncomprosisingly modern in its idiom, but it is very accessible to the listener and has wide audience appeal.