Brad Ciechomski

A mother’s love is boundless, never-ending, gentle, and caressing. Written upon the passing of the composer’s mother, this composition opens with a pure and simple melodic statement that later opens into the warmth of the full ensemble sound, much like the comfort of a mother’s embrace. The opening interval of the minor third is often heard by a child calling “mom-my,” and the piece closes with the bells playing this motive. The composer dedicates this piece to the memory of his mother, who always believed in his hopes and dreams. (3:45)

The Unexpected Journey is a programmatic work depicting an insect flying onto a windshield and hanging on for the journey, braving the rushing wind until the vehicle reaches its destination, where the unsuspecting traveler flies off to explore a new landscape.