In the Shadow of Evening Rocks was commissioned by the British Columbia Federation for its Chorfest '97, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the city of Nelson, B.C. The inspired retrospective text, written especially for the occasion, makes hidden allusions to landmarks well known to inhabitants of the city, but it can be read and understood in a more universal way as well.





The inclusion of a solo violoncello as a sort of instrumental narrato (by special request of the poet) and an optional children's choir, in addition to the mixed choir and piano, offer an interesting, rich palette of tone colours.


Introduced by the 'cello and piano, the children's voices set the scene and prepare the way for the entrance of the adult chorus. Thereafter, textures alternate between hymn-like homophonic and imitative contrapuntal writing and the piece concludes with a strong affirmative statement.