Water Voyage began life for a soloist, in a piece called Water Crossing that was commissioned by clarinetist F. Gerard Errante. When Gerry told me of his friendship with clarinetist D Gause and their duet recitals together, it seemed natural to create a second part.

Years ago 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. With this version of the music, there are now two happy adventurers in the canoe.