Water Crossing was commissioned by clarinetist F. Gerard Errante. Gerry is a remarkable advocate for some of the most adventurous and ear-bending contemporary music around; his virtuosic ability and good natured tenacity have brought countless new works to the fore over the years. Recently, his thoughts turned toward creating a different sort of CD: one comprised of music that was calming but not brain-dead, which could be a relaxing alternative to the usual tracks heard in doctor's offices and elevators. Thus, the arrival of this piece.

One day Gerry told me of his canoe, tied up at the dock by his house on the Virginia coastline. The thought of it waiting there for him made me imagine a beautiful journey beginning in still, lake-like waters. During this mythical voyage, the canoe gradually morphs into a sailboat entering the open ocean, with dolphins dancing ahead of the bow. By the end of the piece we've returned safely to shore, invigorated and peaceful. If I could soothe someone awaiting a root canal with these aquatic visions from my own life, I'd be very pleased.