The Mountain

The Mountain was commissioned by Monique Janssen for her amateur orchestra, an unusual ensemble with many recorders and violins, very few low instruments, and performers at widely different levels. Writing for the group and working with its musicians over a series of weekends taught me a great deal about composing for an amateur orchestra and creating meaningful parts for every player. Conceived as a social and educational project, The Mountain became the starting point of the larger Leedberg saga.