I composed this piece for my daughter Catherine’s baptism, March 18, 1979. It was premiered at the service by my student, Barbara Fraser. The birth of my first child was a very emotional time. The music reflects the range of emotions one feels at this time and the mystery that is birth.

Creatively, in this piece, the performer is as important as the composer. While I have provided notes and suggested interpretations, it is the performer who provides the emotion, in some cases the rhythm, and where indicated, the completely free improvisation. The performer cannot be wrong.

The dominant emotions are joy and wonder and love.