First Dance (string version)

Program Notes

First Dance, originally written for violin and piano, was composed in the summer of 2005 to celebrate the wedding of two very good friends: Mark and Elizabeth Andrews, who performed this piece at their reception as a substitute for an actual first dance! The original piece contains three themes: one for Mark, one for Liz, and a sweeping melody in the middle section symbolizing their union.

The string version, arranged for violin and cello, focuses on developing this theme. Although quite different from the original — structurally, contrapuntally, and so forth — the spirit remains the same: a celebration not only of romantic love but of intimacy, trust, and deep friendship.

Performances

September 26, 2020 - Elizabeth Andrews, violin; Laura Jones, cello. Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Livestream